Willemse Steps In for Injured Kolbe as Springboks Target USA Trophy Victory

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus announced two alterations to his starting lineup on Monday for the decisive match of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks in Baltimore this Saturday. Damian Willemse steps in for the injured Cheslin Kolbe at fullback, while scrumhalf Morne van den Berg has earned a spot in the starting XV. Cobus Reinach has been moved to the bench. Considering the team's commendable efforts in the previous two matches, which led to a 2-1 advantage in the four-Test series, Erasmus leaned towards consistency in his selection as they aim to secure the series in the USA. The coach had to make one change at fullback due to Kolbe's injury, but Van den Berg's impressive performance off the bench in Johannesburg earned him a starting position. A win for the Springboks at M&T Bank Stadium will clinch the first-ever Castle Double Malt Rugby's Greatest Rivalry title, while a victory for the All Blacks would result in a series tie at 2-2 following New Zealand's win in the opening Test. Kolbe, who sustained his injury at FNB Stadium last weekend, is among six players remaining in South Africa as the squad heads to the USA. They will then travel directly to Australia for their upcoming Test against the Wallabies at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, September 27. 'We believe the team is well established, and all players performed their roles effectively in the last two matches, so maintaining the same matchday squad and bringing Damian back to his usual position is sensible for this final encounter of the series,' stated Erasmus. 'These players also understand what's at stake against a highly motivated All Blacks team, who will fight tirelessly to draw the series this weekend.' Erasmus provided further insights into the inclusion of Willemse and Van den Berg in the starting lineup. 'Damian started the first two Tests and would have played last week had it not been for a minor injury, so it's great to have him back. He is a talented player and knows his teammates well, so it will be about him resuming where he left off last week. 'Morne made a significant impact when he entered the game last week, and he has earned his chance to start, allowing Cobus to provide experience and skill from the bench for this crucial match.' Erasmus anticipates a robust response from the All Blacks this weekend, but expressed confidence that his team is prepared for another intense challenge. 'We have faced the All Blacks for three weeks in a row, and like us, they are a proud team that demonstrated last week that they will keep battling until the final whistle. We fully recognize the scale of the challenge ahead this weekend. 'Nonetheless, we are equally committed to concluding the series strongly and are eager to lift the trophy, and the players are looking forward to the match. 'We have no doubt it will be another thrilling contest, demanding a comprehensive 80-minute performance in both attack and defense, so we will manage the players wisely this week to ensure they are ready physically and mentally for Saturday.' The match is set to kick off at 23h00 SA time (17h00 EDT) and will be streamed live on SuperSport. Springbok team to face the All Blacks in Baltimore 15 Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers) – 54 caps, 76 points (8t, 9c, 4p, 2dg) 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse (Mitsubishi Dynaboars) – 34 caps, 130 points (26t) 13 Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 93 caps, 125 points (25t) 12 Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 102 caps, 60 points (12t) 11 Ethan Hooker (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 12 caps, 10 points (2t) 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 23 caps, 184 points (9t, 47c, 15p) 9 Morne van den Berg (10bet Lions) – 9 caps, 25 points (5t) 8 Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks) – 48 caps, 20 points (4t) 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 101 caps, 70 points (14t) 6 Siya Kolisi (captain, DHL Stormers) – 106 caps, 75 points (15t) 5 Ruan Nortje (Kubota Spears) – 23 caps, 5 points (1t) 4 Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 145 caps, 45 points (9t) 3 Wilco Louw (DHL Stormers) – 34 caps, 10 points (2t) 2 Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 92 caps, 140 points (28t) 1 Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 51 caps, 0 points Replacements 16 Deon Fourie (DHL Stormers) – 15 caps, 10 points (2t) 17 Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls) – 22 caps, 10 points (2t) 18 Thomas du Toit (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 36 caps, 10 points (2t) 19 Lood de Jager (Wild Knights) – 76 caps, 25 points (5t) 20 Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 34 caps, 30 points (6t) 21 Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls) – 5 caps, 5 points (1t) 22 Cobus Reinach (DHL Stormers) – 56 caps, 100 points (20t) 23 Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners) – 33 caps, 143 points (2t, 47c, 13p)