Springboks make two changes for final New Zealand Test

Mon, Sep 7, 2026, 11:10 PM
Reuters
by Reuters
Damian Willemse slots into fullback for South Africa's fourth Test against New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images
Damian Willemse slots into fullback for South Africa's fourth Test against New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images

South Africa have made two changes to their starting XV for the fourth and final Test against New Zealand ‌in Baltimore, United States, on Saturday as they look to claim the self-styled ‌Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against their old foes.

The Springboks lead 2-1 after the first ‌three tests and coach Rassie Erasmus has largely stuck to his tried and trusted again for the final fixture.

Watch every second of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry live and on demand via Stan Sport.

Damian Willemse returns from injury to take over from Cheslin Kolbe at fullback after the latter fractured his jaw ‌in last Saturday's ‌29-24 victory ⁠in Soweto.

Morne van den Berg is elevated from ​the bench to start at scrumhalf, with Cobus Reinach taking his place among the replacements.

Erasmus has otherwise stuck with the same match-day 23 that did duty in the last Test.

"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," said Erasmus.

"These players also know exactly what to expect from a very determined All Blacks team, who will give everything to draw the series this weekend.”

Willemse suffered a hamstring problem in the second test and Erasmus said: "It's good to have (Willemse) back. He knows the guys around him very well, so it will simply be a matter of him picking up where he left off before last week."

As for the No. 9 jersey, Erasmus rewarded Van den Berg for "a fantastic impact" off the bench.

"He deserves a chance to start," the coach added.

SPRINGBOKS (15-1): Damian Willemse, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Ethan Hooker, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Morné van den Berg; Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Ruan Nortjé, Eben Etzebeth, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nché.

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

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