Damian Willemse Replaces Injured Cheslin Kolbe for Springboks vs All Blacks Series Decider
- Cheslin Kolbe suffered a broken jaw during the Springboks' 29-24 win over New Zealand in Johannesburg on Saturday
- Rassie Erasmus named two changes to the starting lineup ahead of the series decider in Baltimore this weekend
- Morne van den Berg comes in at scrum-half as South Africa look to seal the four-match 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' series
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Damian Willemse has been named at full-back for South Africa's series-deciding clash against New Zealand after Cheslin Kolbe was ruled out with a broken jaw, Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed on Monday.
Kolbe sustained the injury during Saturday's third Test in Johannesburg, where South Africa defeated the All Blacks 29-24 to move 2-1 ahead in the four-match series known as "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry." The series decider is scheduled for this Saturday at the home stadium of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens.
Two changes for Baltimore showdown
Erasmus made only one further alteration to his matchday squad, bringing in Morne van den Berg at scrum-half in place of Cobus Reinach. Willemse, who started the first two Tests of the series before missing the third due to a minor physical complaint, returns to his familiar position.
Erasmus noted that Willemse's absence last week was circumstantial.
"Damian started the first two Tests and had it not been for a niggle last week, he would have also," the coach said, indicating confidence in the 25-year-old's readiness to step back into the starting role at a critical moment in the series.
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Springboks seek series victory on American soil
South Africa head into the final match as Rugby World Cup holders and with the momentum of back-to-back wins. Should they secure a victory in Baltimore, they will claim the series outright. New Zealand, who won the opening Test, will be looking to level the contest and force a shared result.
The Baltimore fixture forms part of a broader effort to grow rugby's footprint in the United States ahead of the sport's continued international expansion.
Source: Briefly News
