Rassie Erasmus Makes 4 Changes and a Surprise Positional Switch for All Blacks Clash
- Rassie Erasmus has reshuffled the Springboks for their third Test against New Zealand, with 4 changes and an intriguing positional move ahead of Saturday’s clash
- Damian Willemse’s injury has forced a change at the back, while another returning player gives the Springboks an added attacking option
- The front row has also been restored as Erasmus looks to build on last weekend’s 33-26 victory and take the series advantage at FNB Stadium
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Source: Getty Images
Rassie Erasmus has made 4 changes and one positional switch to his Springboks starting XV for Saturday’s third Test against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
According to the official Springboks website, Ox Nché, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw return to the starting front row after starting the second Test on the bench. Kurt-Lee Arendse also returns to the starting XV.
The major surprise comes at fullback, where Cheslin Kolbe moves from the wing to No 15 following Damian Willemse’s injury.
Erasmus said Willemse “took a knock in the first half” and was unavailable for selection. Handré Pollard also remains unavailable with a calf injury, leaving Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at flyhalf.
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Full Springboks squad
No. | Position | Player |
1 | Prop | Ox Nché |
2 | Hooker | Malcolm Marx |
3 | Prop | Wilco Louw |
4 | Lock | Eben Etzebeth |
5 | Lock | Ruan Nortjé |
6 | Flanker | Siya Kolisi (captain) |
7 | Flanker | Pieter-Steph du Toit |
8 | No. 8 | Jasper Wiese |
9 | Scrumhalf | Cobus Reinach |
10 | Flyhalf | Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu |
11 | Wing | Ethan Hooker |
12 | Centre | Damian de Allende |
13 | Centre | Jesse Kriel |
14 | Wing | Kurt-Lee Arendse |
15 | Fullback | Cheslin Kolbe |
16 | Replacement | Deon Fourie |
17 | Replacement | Gerhard Steenekamp |
18 | Replacement | Thomas du Toit |
19 | Replacement | Lood de Jager |
20 | Replacement | André Esterhuizen |
21 | Replacement | Cameron Hanekom |
22 | Replacement | Morne van den Berg |
23 | Replacement | Manie Libbok |
Rassie Erasmus explains selection
Erasmus said continuity influenced the decision, explaining that the players who featured last weekend “really showed composure and did well to stick to the plan”.
He also praised Arendse, noting that the wing has scored 25 tries in 33 matches.
The coach expects another intense encounter, saying the All Blacks will “go full-out to win this Test match” after their defeat last weekend.
The match kicks off at 17h10 on Saturday, 5 September 2026.
Source: Getty Images
Ardie Savea makes frank admission after Springboks defeat
Briefly News previously reported that All Blacks captain Ardie Savea had opened up about New Zealand’s latest defeat to the Springboks.
His comments offered insight into the All Blacks’ response ahead of another important encounter with their long-time rivals.
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Source: Briefly News
