Springboks captain Siya Kolisi emphasized that South Africa does not intend to settle for a draw in the series against the All Blacks, as they prepare for the final match in Baltimore against an updated All Blacks team.
Kolisi stated that the Springboks aim to fully realize their potential to defeat the All Blacks in the fourth and final test match, which will take place on Saturday. The series currently stands at 2-1 following Springboks victories in Cape Town and Soweto.
However, Kolisi insists that the team's mentality is focused solely on winning the series outright, rather than just maintaining the current advantage. 'We definitely want to win the series. We don't want a draw. We want to win the series for South Africa,' said the Springboks captain. 'That is our mindset heading into this week.'
The All Blacks have made several changes for the decisive match, the most noticeable of which is the return of world-renowned playmaker Richie Mo'unga, as well as increased experience in their backline. Kolisi noted that the Springboks expected Mo'unga's selection and are well aware of the threat posed by a player of his caliber.
'Richie Mo'unga, we know he is world-renowned. I think the coaching staff anticipated this selection,' he commented. 'He is a world-class player, and we greatly appreciate how he plays.'
Kolisi also predicts that New Zealand will adopt a more open approach in ball possession, especially given Mo'unga's leadership in attack. 'I think the All Blacks will be even bolder in terms of ball retention, attempts to use space, and wide channels,' he stated. 'We know how dangerous they are. We have played against them many times. We have done our homework.'
Nevertheless, the captain stressed that South Africa's main goal is to impose its own physical dominance, rather than trying to predict the opponent's actions. 'The main thing for us is to ensure we execute our game, to ensure we beat them physically on match day.'
The four-match series created a unique tactical challenge for both teams, as each side had three consecutive matches to study the opponent before the final on Saturday. 'You play with the same team four times, so they will learn you throughout the game, and you will learn them too,' Kolisi explained. 'So you need to find other things, other ways, or other weaknesses in them that you can exploit.'
Eight changes made by New Zealand after the Soweto match added another layer of complexity to the confrontation. 'We are playing almost against a new team compared to last week, and that creates a different dynamic,' said Kolisi. 'These weekend could be different from the previous three games, but it is always exciting.'
The Springboks captain dismissed suggestions that external noise or pressure would affect their tactical plan. 'The expectations we carry are what we want to achieve for each other. What everyone says outside our circle doesn't really matter. We do what we want for ourselves. We know who we are, and we stick to our style of play.'
This does not mean a rigid game plan, as Kolisi emphasized the versatility of the squad—from traditional set-piece battles to open play in the backline. 'We have seen what we have done over many years. We can play in a 70s-style game, and then we have guys we can give freedom in attack. Our system is designed to give us freedom. It doesn't say: 'Play like this.' It just creates opportunities for us to play.'
Acknowledging the physical toll of three heavy matches, Kolisi highlighted the necessity of giving maximum effort at the M&T Bank Stadium. 'The physical load will make it harder for the body,' he admitted. 'So we just have to make sure we finish strongly tomorrow.'
As a large number of South African expatriates gathered in Maryland, Kolisi added a final word to the fans lining the streets of Baltimore and those watching at home: 'I see that many South Africans have arrived, and there is a good atmosphere. We want to do our part to represent them.'
