Siya Kolisi has framed Saturday's Rugby's Greatest Rivalry decider in Baltimore as a test of the Springboks' ability to impose themselves on a desperate All Blacks side, warning that anything less than their best will be punished by a New Zealand team fielding nine changes.
The Springboks captain acknowledged the magnitude of the contest, with the visitors leading the series 2-1 and needing victory to claim the inaugural trophy outright. "We definitely want to win the series," Kolisi said. "We don't want to draw it, and that has been our mindset this week. The All Blacks have brought in new players and we've had to look at them and what they could bring differently this weekend, so we've done our homework."
The most significant of those changes sees Richie Mo'unga start his first Test in nearly three years, having last featured in the 2023 World Cup final defeat in Paris. Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick confirmed the Springbok coaching staff had anticipated the selection, describing Mo'unga as world-class and noting the different dynamic he brings compared to Ruben Love, who has been omitted from the matchday squad entirely.
Physical contest the key
"They will be even more bold tomorrow when it comes to keeping the ball alive and trying to use the space in the wider channels, and we know how dangerous he is," Stick said. "We've played against him many times, and we've done our homework. The key thing for us is that we enforce our game onto them and ensure that we pitch up physically on the day."
Kolisi elaborated on the intensity of facing the same opposition four times in succession, describing the series as akin to playing four Rugby World Cup finals in as many weeks. "They get to know you, and you get to know them, so you have to find other ways and other weaknesses," he said. "This week we're playing almost a new All Blacks team compared to last week, and Richie Mo'unga brings a different dynamic, so it might be different from the other games."
The match at M&T Bank Stadium will mark Rassie Erasmus' 100th Test in his two roles with the Springboks since his appointment in 2018, as head coach and Director of Rugby. It is also the Springboks' first Test in the United States since 2018, when Erasmus lost his first match in charge to Wales in Washington.
Stakes clear for both sides
While the Springboks cannot lose the series, a draw would see the trophy split between the two nations. Kolisi made clear that outcome holds no appeal. "We may be leading the series, but we know on the other side they are desperate to level it up, so we want to make sure we finish properly tomorrow," he said.
Stick echoed the sentiment, emphasising the motivation to reward supporters back home. "We know they're desperate to level the series, but in the same breath we want to make sure that we keep on making our people back at home proud, so we'll give our best," he said.
The Springboks have won seven of their last nine Tests against New Zealand under Erasmus, but Kolisi's warning that the All Blacks possess the quality to punish any lapse in concentration suggests the visitors are taking nothing for granted. With Mo'unga's return adding an unpredictable element to New Zealand's attack, the Springboks' ability to enforce their physicality and discipline will determine whether they claim the series outright or settle for a share of the spoils.