Springboks name side for pivotal Soweto Test
Kolbe shifts to fullback
With the series locked at 1-1 following South Africa’s 33-26 victory in Cape Town, Erasmus has largely backed the combinations that helped the Springboks level the series.
The biggest change comes in the back three, where Cheslin Kolbe shifts from the wing to fullback in place of the injured Damian Willemse. Kurt-Lee Arendse returns on the right wing, with Ethan Hooker retaining the No.11 jersey.
There are also three changes in the front row, with Ox Nché, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw returning to the starting XV. Gerhard Steenekamp, Deon Fourie and Thomas du Toit move to the bench.
The rest of the starting side is unchanged, including the loose forward combination of captain Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese.
The trio will start together for the 18th time, setting a new Springboks record for the most Test starts as a loose forward combination.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu remains at first five-eighth alongside halfback Cobus Reinach, while Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel continue their midfield partnership.
Erasmus said continuity had been part of South Africa’s plan throughout the series.
“It was always our plan to have a little more continuity in player combinations for this series and we thought that the players who did the job for us last week really showed composure.”
The third Test kicks off at 5.10pm local time on Saturday (5.10am Sunday NZT) at FNB Stadium in Soweto.
WATCH: Attack Coach Mike Blair and Midfielder Jordie Barrett give an update from All Blacks camp ahead of the third Test
Springboks team to take on the All Blacks in Soweto
15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nché.
Reserves
16 Deon Fourie, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Cameron Hanekom, 22 Morne van den Berg, 23 Manie Libbok.
WATCH: Highlights from the second Test in Cape Town (available in selected territories)
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