Springboks Make 2 Changes for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Decider Against All Blacks in Baltimore

• Rassie Erasmus has made his latest selection decisions as the Springboks prepare for a crucial All Blacks showdown in Baltimore
• The Springboks head into the final Test with the series advantage, but there is still plenty riding on Saturday’s encounter
• Erasmus has kept much of his winning combination intact while making changes that could prove important in the battle for the trophy

The Springboks have made 2 changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry decider against the All Blacks in Baltimore, with Damian Willemse returning at fullback and Morne van den Berg handed a starting opportunity at scrumhalf.

SA Rugby announced the team on Monday, 7 September 2026.

Willemse replaces Cheslin Kolbe, who was injured during South Africa’s 29-24 victory at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 5 September. Van den Berg replaces Cobus Reinach, who moves to the bench.

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The selection otherwise provides continuity after South Africa moved 2-1 ahead in the 4-Test series.

Erasmus explained the decision, saying:

“We feel that the team is well settled and all the players delivered in their respective roles in the last two matches.”

He added that Van den Berg “made a fantastic impact” from the bench and “deserves a chance to start”.

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Erasmus also expects the All Blacks to respond strongly in the series finale.

“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,” he said.

Victory would give South Africa the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. New Zealand must win to force a 2-2 draw.

The match kicks off at 23h00 South African time at M&T Bank Stadium and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

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Full Springboks squad for All Blacks decider

Starting XV

Replacements

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The Springboks’ Baltimore squad combines considerable experience with several notable milestones, giving Saturday’s decider added significance beyond the series result.

The starting XV brings 927 Test caps, including 600 among the forwards and 327 in the backline, while the replacements contribute another 277 caps. That experience is particularly evident in the pack, where the average is 75 caps per player. The backline averages 47, while the bench averages 35.

For Eben Etzebeth, the match will mark another landmark in an already record-breaking career. The veteran lock is set to win his 146th Springbok cap, extending his record as South Africa’s most-capped player. Etzebeth overtook Victor Matfield in 2024 and has continued to extend the record.

Jasper Wiese is also closing in on a milestone. The No. 8 will make his 49th Test appearance in Baltimore, leaving him one match short of the 50-cap mark.

South Africa hold a 2-1 advantage after their 29-24 victory at FNB Stadium on 5 September. A fourth straight meeting between the rivals will now take them to M&T Bank Stadium, where the Springboks will play their first Test in Baltimore.

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South Africa have also won 7 of their last 9 Tests against New Zealand since August 2023, although the All Blacks claimed the opening match of this series 33-16 before the Boks responded with 2 victories.

The Boks now have 80 minutes to turn their 2-1 advantage into series glory. With a new venue, a determined All Blacks side and the trophy at stake, Baltimore promises another high-stakes chapter in this rivalry.

All Blacks reshuffle squad ahead of Baltimore decider

Briefly News previously reported that the All Blacks have made changes to their touring group after their 29-24 defeat to the Springboks at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 5 September 2026.

New Zealand will head into the Baltimore decider needing a victory to level the 4-Test series, while the Springboks require one more win to claim the overall contest.

The reshuffle comes after several players were ruled out or released from the squad, adding another subplot to the final showdown.

Source: Briefly News