The Springboks have made two tactical changes to their squad ahead of the decisive fourth test match against the All Blacks, which will take place in Baltimore, USA, over the weekend. The team aims to secure a victory and ensure a series win.
Following a confident 2-1 victory in Johannesburg, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus decided to maintain maximum stability in the team. Only two tactical adjustments were made to the starting lineup for the crucial series match on Saturday.
Damian Willemse returned to his usual fullback position, replacing the injured Cheslin Kolbe. Kolbe remains in South Africa with five teammates before the upcoming match in Perth against the Wallabies.
Meanwhile, Morne van der Berg earned a deserved start at scrum-half following his influential performance at the FNB stadium. As a result of this change, experienced Kobus Reinah moved to the bench to provide cover late in the game.
For Erasmus, maintaining continuity is key in the confrontation with the determined All Blacks side, which is fighting for a draw in the opening series. A win in Maryland will secure the trophy, while a loss will lead to a split of the prize money.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 23:00 South African time, and the Boks are preparing for an 80-minute battle against a rival built on unwavering pride.
Springbok Squad:
The starting fifteen players include: Damian Willemse (15), Kurt-Lee Arendse (14), Jesse Kriel (13), Damian de Allende (12), Ethan Hooker (11), Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (10), Morne van der Berg (9), Jasper Wiese (8), Pieter-Steph du Toit (7), Siya Kolisi (captain) (6), Ruan Nortje (5), Eben Etzebeth (4), Vilko Lou (3), Malcolm Marx (2), and Ox Nche (1).
The reserves are: Deon Fourie (16), Gerhard Steenkamp (17), Thomas du Toit (18), Lud de Jager (19), Andre Esterhuizen (20), Cameron Hanekom (21), Kobus Reinah (22), and Mani Libbok (23).