The Springboks will not settle for a series draw when they face the All Blacks at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, captain Siya Kolisi confirmed on Friday. With South Africa holding a 2-1 advantage after victories in Cape Town and Johannesburg, the world champions are focused on claiming the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry title outright.
"We don't want to draw the series. We want to win the series, so that's our mindset coming this week," Kolisi told the press.
The Springboks bounced back from an opening defeat at Ellis Park to win consecutive matches, including last weekend's 29-24 triumph at FNB Stadium. That result has given them control of the series heading into the first match of the four-Test campaign to be played outside South Africa.
Mo'unga return adds new dimension
Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick identified Richie Mo'unga's return to the All Blacks starting lineup as a significant factor. The playmaker will make his first Test start since the 2023 World Cup final, replacing Ruben Love at flyhalf.
"Richie Mo'unga, we know him well. He was world-class. I think as a coaching staff, we did expect that selection," Stick said at the team hotel. "I think they're going to 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 it is, but we've played against them many times."
The Springboks successfully contained Love in the previous two matches, but Mo'unga's experience and attacking vision present a different challenge. Stick emphasised that the coaching staff had anticipated the selection and prepared accordingly.
Selection continuity at flyhalf
Rassie Erasmus has retained Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at flyhalf for a fourth consecutive start, despite the youngster struggling to recapture the form he displayed last season. Erasmus highlighted Feinberg-Mngomezulu's defensive contributions and his ability to bring something different in the opening exchanges.
Manie Libbok will again provide impact off the bench, a role in which he excelled at FNB Stadium. The Stormers playmaker brought the Springbok attack to life when introduced in the second half, continuing his record of influential cameos against New Zealand.
The outcome in Baltimore will determine whether South Africa claim the series or whether the rivals share the spoils. For Kolisi and his side, only one result will suffice.