Erasmus makes just two changes as Springboks name side to seal series against All Blacks in Baltimore
South Africa have named their team for the fourth Test against New Zealand in Baltimore, with Damian Willemse returning at fullback and Morne van den Berg handed a start at scrumhalf as the Springboks look to close out the series holding a 2-1 lead.
Rassie Erasmus has named a near-unchanged Springboks side for the fourth Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore, making only two alterations to the team that secured a 2-1 series lead in Johannesburg.
Damian Willemse returns at fullback after Cheslin Kolbe was forced off early in the third Test. Willemse had himself departed the second Test with a hamstring issue, but is fit to start and reclaims the No. 15 jersey. The other change sees Morne van den Berg handed a start at scrumhalf alongside Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, with Cobus Reinach dropping to the bench.
The entire forward pack is retained from the previous Test. Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw continue in the front row, with Eben Etzebeth and Ruan Nortje again paired in the second row. Captain Siya Kolisi leads the back row alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese.
The Springboks line up as follows: 15. Damian Willemse, 14. Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13. Jesse Kriel, 12. Damian de Allende, 11. Ethan Hooker, 10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9. Morne van den Berg, 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 Nche.
The replacements are: 16. Deon Fourie, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Thomas du Toit, 19. Lood de Jager, 20. Andre Esterhuizen, 21. Cameron Hanekom, 22. Cobus Reinach, 23. Manie Libbok.
With a 2-1 advantage in the series, South Africa arrive in Baltimore with the opportunity to seal the contest on American soil — a result that would represent a significant statement ahead of the Rugby Championship.
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