Damian Willemse returns as South Africa make two changes
Damian Willemse starts at fullback for South Africa
©Steve Haag
Rassie Erasmus has made just two changes to the Springboks starting XV for Saturday’s fourth and final Test against New Zealand in Baltimore, retaining the core of the team that secured victory in Johannesburg.
Damian Willemse returns at Springboks fullback
Damian Willemse returns to the No.15 jersey in place of the injured Cheslin Kolbe, who was forced off during South Africa’s 29-24 victory at FNB Stadium.
Willemse started the opening two Tests of the series before missing the Johannesburg encounter with a niggle. Erasmus said his familiarity with the players around him should allow the versatile back to slot straight into the side.
The remainder of the Springboks backline is retained, including Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Ethan Hooker and fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Morne van den Berg handed Springboks start
The only other change sees Morne van den Berg promoted from the bench to start at scrum-half.
Van den Berg impressed after being introduced during the third Test, earning an opportunity in the starting XV. Cobus Reinach switches to the replacements and provides experienced cover.
Erasmus has otherwise opted for continuity after successive victories moved South Africa into a 2-1 series lead.
Springboks target series victory in Baltimore
Victory at M&T Bank Stadium would secure the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series for South Africa, while an All Blacks win would leave the four-Test contest tied 2-2.
Erasmus expects a significant New Zealand response and stressed that his players will need another complete performance.
The Baltimore encounter is South Africa’s final match of the series before the squad continues to Australia for its Test against the Wallabies in Perth later this month.
South Africa XV: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Reserves: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Cameron Hanekom, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Manie Libbok.
