Rassie Erasmus has opted for continuity over rotation, naming an almost unchanged Springbok side for Saturday's Rugby's Greatest Rivalry decider at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. With the series already secured at 2-1, the head coach has resisted wholesale changes, making just two alterations to the starting XV that defeated New Zealand at the FNB Stadium last weekend.
Damian Willemse returns at fullback in place of Cheslin Kolbe, who suffered a broken jaw in Johannesburg and remained behind in South Africa alongside five other players. The injury-enforced change sees Willemse reclaim the number 15 jersey he wore in the opening two Tests of the series. The only other adjustment sees Morne van den Berg promoted to starting scrumhalf, with Cobus Reinach dropping to the bench.
Van den Berg Rewarded for Soweto Impact
Van den Berg's elevation follows a commanding second-half performance in Johannesburg, where he replaced Reinach with the match still in the balance. The 28-year-old's box-kicking, service and defensive work drew widespread praise, silencing critics who had questioned his selection throughout the campaign. His inclusion ahead of Reinach suggests Erasmus values the Lions scrumhalf's game management in high-pressure situations.
The decision to field a near-identical matchday 23 carries significance beyond Saturday's fixture. With several players expected to return for the 26 September Test against Australia in Perth, Erasmus appears determined to complete the job against Dave Rennie's All Blacks rather than use Baltimore as a preparation match. The All Blacks arrive weakened by the losses of captain Ardie Savea, flanker Luke Jacobson and midfielder Quinn Tupaea, yet Erasmus has shown no inclination to ease off.
"We feel that the team is well settled and all the players delivered in their respective roles in the last two matches," Erasmus said. "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."
The selection carries one notable curiosity: Handré Pollard has yet to feature in the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series, with Manie Libbok again named among the replacements after his own impressive cameo last Saturday. The continued faith in the starting combination suggests Erasmus sees no need to alter a formula that has delivered back-to-back victories over New Zealand.
A Springbok victory in Baltimore would seal the inaugural Rugby's Greatest Rivalry title outright and extend their recent dominance over the All Blacks. For Erasmus, the message is clear: the series may be won, but the job remains unfinished.