Rassie Erasmus hinted that Springboks will adopt a more attacking approach in the final match in Baltimore

In the decisive series match between the Springboks and the All Blacks in Baltimore, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus demonstrated an uncompromising approach to team selection, sending a clear signal to Dave Rennie's squad that there would be no mercy.

After the Springboks secured a 2–1 series lead following a tense battle at the FNB stadium in Soweto, there might have been a temptation to make changes and refresh the lineup. However, Erasmus decided to go all-in, making only minor adjustments to the starting lineup for the Saturday decider match in Maryland.

Despite the All Blacks arriving at the final series match exhausted, injured, and virtually depleted, the Springboks are assembling their powerful team once again to guarantee victory in the three-match series. The All Blacks endured immense physical confrontation over three consecutive test matches, and the loss of captain Ardie Savea due to a hand injury in Soweto was a serious blow to the already weakened New Zealand side.

Rennie's team faces the grim prospect of needing to restructure its squad and rotate key players just to take the field in the United States. Nevertheless, Erasmus sees an opportunity for victory. Instead of implementing the broad rotation that often characterized his era, he chose the principle of continuity.

The return of Damian Willemse to fullback is a forced replacement for the jaw-broken Cheslin Kolbe, while the elevation of Morne van den Berg to starting scrum-half instead of Kobus Reinahart occurred after his crucial performance at the FNB stadium. In addition to these two changes, the world champions are fielding their heavy artillery.

The front line, consisting of Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Vilko Lowe, remains unchanged to maintain dominance in the scrum. They are supported by the experienced combination of locks Eben Etzebeth and Juan Northe, as well as the loose forward trio Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Siya Kolisi. The bench's physical readiness is equally high, featuring players such as Deon Fourie, Thomas du Toit, and Andre Esterhuizen, ready to stifle any late resurgence from the New Zealand team.

Erasmus's refusal to concede was driven by deep dissatisfaction with how his team concluded the last two test matches. Despite the Springboks holding a 14-point advantage in both Cape Town and Johannesburg, they allowed New Zealand to claw back in the latter stages of the games, narrowing the gap to just one point.

Erasmus openly demanded absolute performance from his players for the entire 80 minutes, pointing to those final ten minutes that require immediate correction. Demanding stability in both attack and defense, Erasmus is forcing his top management to finish what they started. He understands that a 2–2 series draw leaves room for debate, but a 3–1 victory will definitively settle which team is the best in the world.

Erasmus denied the struggling All Blacks even a moment's respite. The message is crystal clear: the Springboks are going to Baltimore not to share the trophy, but to win it.

Despite Springboks' triumphant 29-24 victory over the All Blacks in Soweto, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus emphasized that their task is not yet complete. The teams traveled to the USA on Saturday evening, where they face the fourth and final match of the series in Baltimore.

The South African national team leads this great rivalry series 2-1, but New Zealand's win on Saturday evening (at 23:00 Saudi time) will result in a draw in the series.

On the conclusion of the series

Erasmus noted that although many thought the series was taking place in South Africa, it is not, as they played three matches at home, holding a one-match advantage. Nevertheless, the final game is yet to come. He added: 'We cannot lose it anymore because there is no difference in points or tries scored, like in a decisive round. But the trophy was originally designed in two parts to be shared in case of a draw. So, the game continues.'

Erasmus joked that he and All Blacks coach Dave Rennie might share a beer on the flight to America, although the drinks would be different. He continued: 'I hope Dave will drink with me on the flight. His will be a little more bitter, and mine a little sweeter.'

After arriving on Sunday, the team will return to camp to assess injuries and begin planning. Erasmus stressed the importance of the confrontation: 'This is the greatest rivalry, and we are playing trying to win the series, and they will be trying to level it. So, no, it will be damn important.'

Details of the Soccer City match

Springboks had to fight for every inch to secure the victory in Soccer City, trailing until the 58th minute before taking control in the closing stages. They managed to create a two-point lead just 10 minutes before the end of the match, which was filled with drama and sharp changes in pace.

Erasmus expressed satisfaction after the game: 'We are happy today. It was epic. It was tense.' He added that the final score showed how close the game was, and they were simply happy with the win. Now, being on the same plane, they need to try to repeat this success in Baltimore.

Erasmus admitted that the All Blacks dominated most of the first half, praising their ability to retain possession and keep Springboks under pressure. 'They were definitely ahead in the first half,' he said. 'I think we all envy how they handle the ball, and they are certainly brilliant at it.' He noted that luck helped them equalize at halftime, which gave hope.

He described the game as a nerve-wracking experience for all participants. 'I'm not sure what my heart rate was, but we were definitely nervous. And I think they were too.' The narrow margin of victory highlighted how small the differences are between the two leading rugby nations. Erasmus concluded that this fits the hype, and they do not consider themselves 'damn great', believing that a large part of it was luck.

Team squad before the trip to the USA

However, Springboks will be without Cheslin Kolbe in Baltimore, as Erasmus reported that the winger broke his jaw during Saturday's match. Kolbe will not travel to the USA with props Carlu Seydi, Boan Venter, and Ntuthuko Mchunu, as well as versatile forwards Kobus Wise and Ben-Jason Dixon.

Good news came from the backline: Damian Willemse, Grant Williams, and Kanaann Moody, who struggled with injuries in recent weeks, have been cleared for travel.

Ahead of the upcoming match against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium on Saturday, Springboks players have shown confidence similar to that before a World Cup playoff. The team approaches this confrontation, dubbed the 'Clash in the Calabash,' with a mentality that helped them win major trophies.

Assistant coach Mzwandile Stik noted that the team is employing the same tactics that helped them win in the most significant tournaments. In their recent history, there has often been a decisive response following an early defeat.

The Springboks lost their first match against the All Blacks at Ellis Park but managed to balance the series by playing in Cape Town last week. Now that the series score is 1–1, they head to Soccer City, knowing that a victory will bring them closer to winning the series.

Approach to the Series

Stik stated: 'From the beginning, we said we would treat this series like a World Cup playoff campaign.' This mindset explains the stability of the Springboks squad this week, as only changes due to injuries were made to the team that defeated New Zealand in Cape Town.

The All Blacks, in turn, draw confidence from their past success at Highveld in the professional era. Stik understands that the team will not be intimidated by the altitude, and he is also aware of what is at stake for New Zealand. He added: 'If they win tomorrow, they will claim they beat us 2–1 on our ground, so we know exactly what drives them. We also want to defend what we represent as South Africans.'

He emphasized that regardless of the outcome, the winner will gain a real chance to win the broader series during the fourth match in Baltimore, while the losing team will only be able to level the score. Both teams will desperately need a result.

Tactical Aspects of the Match

Stik expects the battle to be very tough, especially in the contest for the ball after contact. 'We were weak in the ball contest in the first match, but we didn't concede any in the second. We still want to improve our play in this area because we know they will target it again with selected players. If we want to create opportunities, we must be clinical in this regard.'

The Springboks also plan to utilize their traditional strengths to limit the attacking potential of the All Blacks. Stik noted: 'Set-piece play is one of our biggest attacking platforms; we want to move forward, we have never been a team that bypasses contact, so if we get opportunities in the scrum or lineout, we will try to dominate.'

He continued that New Zealand will want to keep the ball in play and avoid contesting the ball and set pieces, which aligns with their game plan, but the Springboks know what suits them better.

The South Africans previously followed a similar path to success: they lost matches in the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, as well as the 2021 British & Irish Lions series, but then responded with an unbeaten run and ultimately lifted the trophy.

Stik explained that the changes made after the first match were mainly forced, and some were due to injuries. He added that the players understand the series plan, as in such situations at the World Cup, you always want to field the strongest available squad. Although some young players who got a chance to shine were unlucky, several veterans returned from injury and immediately took their positions.

The All Blacks have made adjustments to their squad, although Stik believes the core of their team remains unchanged. 'New Zealand has made a few changes, but you probably know their best 23-man squad, and the core of their team hasn't changed much. They have combinations that work.'

Since the series is tense, Stik believes it lives up to all expectations. 'This rivalry justifies its name, perhaps the best in the world historically, and people get value for their tickets because you never know who will win.'