South Africa have announced two adjustments to their starting lineup ahead of Sunday’s series finale against the All Blacks in Baltimore, with head coach Rassie Erasmus confirming the squad changes on Tuesday.
Damian Willemse steps back into the number 15 jersey, taking over from Cheslin Kolbe, who suffered a fractured jaw during the Springboks’ 29 to 24 triumph in Johannesburg. That victory pushed the reigning world champions ahead 2 to 1 in the ongoing four match series.
The only other switch sees Morne van den Berg promoted to the starting scrumhalf role, with Cobus Reinach dropping to the bench for what promises to be a decisive clash at the stadium normally home to the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens.
Erasmus explained that Willemse had actually been on track to start the previous match before a minor issue ruled him out, adding that the utility back understands his teammates well enough to slot straight back into rhythm. He also praised van den Berg’s impressive cameo off the bench last weekend, calling it reason enough to hand him a starting berth while Reinach brings his seasoned presence as backup.
Elsewhere, flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu holds onto his position despite a somewhat shaky outing last time, with the more seasoned Manie Libbok waiting in reserve. The 24 year old only recently returned from an ankle injury that kept him out of the Boks’ first three fixtures this season, and Tuesday’s match will be just his fourth appearance back.
Erasmus acknowledged that Feinberg-Mngomezulu is still finding his top form after such a long layoff but expressed confidence in Libbok’s ability to step in at short notice should the situation demand it, much like he did the previous weekend.
Heading Options:
- Willemse Returns as Boks Reshuffle Backline for Baltimore Showdown
- Springboks Make Two Changes Ahead of Series Decider in Baltimore
- Kolbe’s Injury Opens Door for Willemse in Baltimore Test
- Erasmus Reshapes Bok Backline for Crucial Baltimore Clash
- Two Tweaks, One Goal: Boks Eye Series Win in Baltimore
