Springboks make two changes as team named for final All Blacks Test

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Final Test.

Rassie Erasmus has made two changes to the Springbok starting XV for Saturday’s decisive final Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore.

Damian Willemse replaces the injured Cheslin Kolbe at fullback, while Morne van den Berg starts at scrumhalf after impressing from the bench in Johannesburg. Cobus Reinach moves to the replacements.

Erasmus has otherwise retained the same matchday 23 as South Africa attempt to convert their 2-1 lead into a series victory.

“We feel that the team is well settled and all the players delivered in their respective roles in the last two matches, so we believe selecting the same matchday squad, and naming Damian back in his regular position, makes sense for the closing match of the series,” Erasmus said.

“Morne, meanwhile, made a fantastic impact when he took the field last week, and he deserves a chance to start, so Cobus switches to the bench where he will add experience and skill in this vital match.”

Siya Kolisi continues to captain the side, while Eben Etzebeth will extend his Springbok appearance record to 146 Tests.

Victory at M&T Bank Stadium would secure the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series for the Springboks. An All Blacks win would leave the four-Test contest tied at 2-2.

Springbok team

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

Replacements: Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager, Andre Esterhuizen, Cameron Hanekom, Cobus Reinach, Manie Libbok.

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