Gavin Rich's argument is straightforward: the Boks won the third test by reverting to their power-game template, but New Zealand's rapid evolution — 13 tries in three matches, twice the rucks, quick ball, contact-avoidance — is a warning that South Africa can't stand still. With the series already secured and rotation both possible and probably necessary given the age differential (30.7 vs 27 average in the third test), Baltimore is the ideal moment for Erasmus to demonstrate genuine attacking versatility rather than just depth.
The selection discussion is detailed. Rich makes a strong case for Libbok at 10 — pointing to the Boks' two biggest wins over New Zealand, both featuring him heavily — and floats Willemse at 12 alongside Libbok and Feinberg-Mngomezulu at 15 as a backline that could genuinely threaten the All Blacks out wide. Up front, he sees a case for Lood de Jager to start, Cobus Wiese to get meaningful minutes against top opposition ahead of the World Cup, and Paul de Villiers forcing his way into the matchday 23. The Dixon injury complicates Du Toit's workload, and the hooker debate — Fourie, Grobbelaar or Wessels — adds another layer. Rich's conclusion is that rotation here needn't mean compromise; it could be the moment the Boks signal they're evolving too.