South Africa have made two changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s fourth and final Test against New Zealand, with the Springboks aiming to win the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. South Africa currently lead the four-match series 2–1.
Willemse returns at fullback
Damian Willemse returns to the starting line-up at fullback, replacing Cheslin Kolbe, who suffered a fractured jaw during South Africa’s 29–24 victory over New Zealand in Johannesburg last weekend. Kolbe is one of several players who have remained in South Africa while the team travelled to the United States.
Willemse started the first two Tests of the series before missing the third match through injury. Coach Rassie Erasmus said his return gives the team a familiar and experienced player in an important position.
Van den Berg gets his chance
The second change comes at scrum-half, where Morne van den Berg has been promoted from the bench to start ahead of Cobus Reinach.
Van den Berg made a strong impact after coming on during the third Test, and Erasmus said he deserved the opportunity to start the decisive match. Reinach will now provide experience from the replacements bench.
Springboks one win away
South Africa have won the last two Tests against New Zealand and now lead the series 2–1. A victory in Baltimore would give the Springboks the overall series triumph, while a New Zealand victory would level the series at 2–2.
The Springboks have also won seven of their last nine meetings with the All Blacks since August 2023, adding to their confidence heading into Saturday’s showdown.
South Africa’s starting XV
- Damian Willemse
2 Kurt-Lee Arendse
3 Jesse Kriel
4 Damian de Allende
5 Ethan Hooker
6 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
7 Morne van den Berg
8 Jasper Wiese
9 Pieter-Steph du Toit
10 Siya Kolisi (captain)
11 Ruan Nortje
12 Eben Etzebeth
13 Wilco Louw
14 Malcolm Marx - 15 Ox Nche
Replacements: Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager, Andre Esterhuizen, Cameron Hanekom, Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok.
Eben Etzebeth will also reach 146 Test caps, extending his record as South Africa’s most-capped player.
