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Erasmus banks on continuity as Boks eye series triumph in Baltimore finale
Rassie Erasmus has resisted wholesale rotation for the third consecutive Test, making only one enforced change as the Springboks chase a first series victory over New Zealand in half a century. Morne van den Berg earns his first All Blacks start at scrum-half, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu retains the fly-half berth ahead of Manie Libbok. The head coach has identified the closing stages as an area requiring improvement after the All Blacks outscored South Africa in the final 10 minutes of all three previous encounters.
Wiese eyes series win and strong showcase as Boks prepare for Baltimore finale
Jasper Wiese says lifting the Rugby Greatest Rivalry trophy in Baltimore would be a special achievement for the squad, as the Springboks — leading the series two-one — prepare for Saturday's finale against the All Blacks at M&T Bank Stadium.
Van den Berg earns first Springbok start since November as Erasmus makes two changes for Baltimore decider
Morne van den Berg starts at scrum-half in place of Cobus Reinach for the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series finale in Baltimore, with Damian Willemse replacing the injured Cheslin Kolbe the only other change to the Springbok XV that won in Soweto.
Amashukeli's reasoning on Love yellow card: offside position at ruck, not at Libbok tackle
Referee Nika Amashukeli's yellow card to Ruben Love in the All Blacks' defeat in Soweto was issued for offside at the ruck where Ox Nche first received the ball, not at Manie Libbok's earlier tackle — with the sanction escalated under repeated-infringement laws after Quinn Tupaea had already conceded a penalty in the same sequence.
Rassie reveals what it was like sharing a flight with the All Blacks to Baltimore
Rassie Erasmus describes the atmosphere aboard the shared Springbok-All Black flight to Baltimore for the final Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Test.
Erasmus backs Feinberg-Mngomezulu for Baltimore, Pollard set for Australia return
Rassie Erasmus has kept Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at fly-half for the Baltimore Test despite admitting he is yet to hit his straps, citing the youngster's defensive qualities, while confirming Handré Pollard is on track to return against Australia.
Erasmus opts for continuity as Boks target 3-1 series triumph in Baltimore
Rassie Erasmus has named a near-unchanged side for the final Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Test in Baltimore, resisting the temptation to rotate despite the series already secured. Only two alterations feature in the starting XV: Damian Willemse replaces the injured Cheslin Kolbe, while Morne van den Berg earns his first start of the series after an influential cameo in Soweto. The selection signals Erasmus's intent to press home South Africa's advantage against a depleted All Blacks outfit.
All Blacks admit scrum gulf as Rennie concedes World Rugby sided with Springboks
Dave Rennie has acknowledged that World Rugby's assessment of the scrums in the third Test at FNB Stadium contradicted New Zealand's view, after the Springboks won five penalties from the setpiece and a pushover penalty try. The All Blacks coach admitted his side must improve before the Baltimore finale, whilst assistant Neil Barnes labelled South Africa's set-piece 'pretty damn dominant' and a source of penalty momentum.
Erasmus Names Unchanged Side for Baltimore Decider as Boks Chase Series Victory
Rassie Erasmus has made just two changes to the Springbok starting XV for Saturday's Rugby's Greatest Rivalry finale against New Zealand in Baltimore, resisting the temptation to rotate despite the series already being won. Damian Willemse returns at fullback for the injured Cheslin Kolbe, while Morne van den Berg earns a start at scrumhalf after his influential cameo in Johannesburg. The selection signals Erasmus's intent to secure a 3-1 series victory rather than experiment ahead of the Australia fixture.
Carter's Defensive Lapses Cost All Blacks as Springboks Claim Series Lead
Sir John Kirwan has offered sympathy to Leroy Carter after the wing's two defensive errors contributed directly to South Africa's 29-24 victory at FNB Stadium. The former All Blacks great acknowledged Carter's attacking contributions but conceded the missed tackles on Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel proved decisive in a match where the Springboks' scrum dominance and second-half experience ultimately separated the sides. New Zealand now trail 2-1 in the four-Test series heading to Baltimore.
Erasmus backs Feinberg-Mngomezulu despite second-year struggles as Libbok waits
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will start at fly-half for the fourth consecutive Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore despite mounting calls for Manie Libbok to be promoted. Rassie Erasmus cited consistency as the primary reason for persisting with the 24-year-old, while Victor Matfield attributed Feinberg-Mngomezulu's patchy form to second-year syndrome. Libbok's impact off the bench in Soweto has intensified the debate over South Africa's playmaking hierarchy.
Erasmus makes just two changes for Baltimore finale as Boks chase 3-1 series win
Erasmus makes just two changes — Damian Willemse back at fullback and Morné van den Berg starting at scrumhalf — as the Springboks target a 3-1 series win over the All Blacks in Baltimore on Saturday.
Erasmus explains Feinberg-Mngomezulu selection ahead of Libbok at flyhalf
Rassie Erasmus explains the defensive and pressure-handling considerations that put Feinberg-Mngomezulu ahead of Libbok at flyhalf for Saturday's Test.
Rassie makes two changes for Greatest Rivalry series decider in Baltimore
Rassie Erasmus makes just two changes for the Greatest Rivalry series decider in Baltimore, with Damian Willemse returning at fullback for the injured Cheslin Kolbe and Morne van den Berg earning a start at scrumhalf. The Springboks, leading the series 2-1, can clinch the inaugural trophy with a win at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday.
Springboks arrive in USA ahead of series decider against All Blacks
The Springboks have arrived in the USA leading their series against the All Blacks 2-1, with the fourth and final Test to come.
Gordon fracture rules Wallaby playmaker out of Springbok Test and Bledisloe series
Carter Gordon has fractured his leg, ruling the Wallabies' first-choice flyhalf out of the September 26 Test against the Springboks in Perth and the Bledisloe Cup series, with Tom Lynagh the likely replacement.
Rennie pinpoints Jordan error as turning point in All Blacks' Soweto defeat
All Blacks assistant coach Dave Rennie has identified a costly mistake by Will Jordan as the pivotal moment in Saturday's 29-24 defeat to the Springboks at FNB Stadium. Despite Jordan's try giving New Zealand a 17-12 lead in the 56th minute, the world champions responded immediately through Jesse Kriel and seized control of the contest. The result extends South Africa's lead to 2-1 in the four-Test Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series.
All Blacks vow to fix maul defence ahead of Baltimore decider
New Zealand lock Sam Darry has acknowledged his side must improve their maul defence after the Springboks dominated that facet in Saturday's 29-24 victory at FNB Stadium. The All Blacks conceded a crucial 20-metre rolling maul try to Malcolm Marx in the 65th minute, a score that helped the Boks pull clear in Soweto.
Boks hold 2-1 series lead but RGR trophy still up for grabs in Baltimore
The Springboks' 29-24 victory at FNB Stadium secured the Freedom Cup and prevented an All Blacks series win on South African soil, but the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry trophy remains undecided ahead of Saturday's decider in Baltimore. Rassie Erasmus and his squad flew out alongside New Zealand on Sunday, with the four-match series locked at 2-1 and both sides eyeing the inaugural RGR silverware.
Marx's fist-pump seals Soweto triumph as Springboks take 2-1 series lead
Malcolm Marx powered over for the decisive try at FNB Stadium on Saturday night, his three fist-pumps into the turf sealing a 29-24 victory over New Zealand. The Springboks trailed with an hour gone before cranking up their trademark power game in front of more than 90,000 fans. The win gives South Africa a 2-1 lead in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry with one Test remaining.