South Africa's Damian Willemse will return to the team for the fourth Test with New Zealand. Photo: AP PHOTO
South Africa have made two changes to their starting XV for the fourth and final Test against New Zealand in Baltimore, United States, on Saturday as they look to claim the self-styled Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against their old foes. Subscribe now for unlimited access.
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The Springboks lead 2-1 after the first three tests and coach Rassie Erasmus has largely stuck to his tried and trusted again for the final fixture.
Damian Willemse returns from injury to take over from Cheslin Kolbe at fullback after the latter fractured his jaw in last Saturday's 29-24 victory in Soweto.
Morne van den Berg is elevated from the bench to start at scrumhalf, with Cobus Reinach taking his place among the replacements.
Morne van den Berg has been given a start after impressing in the third Test. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)
Erasmus has otherwise stuck with the same match-day 23 that did duty in the last Test.
"We feel that the team is well settled and all the players delivered in their respective roles in the last two matches, so we believe selecting the same matchday squad, and naming Damian back in his regular position, makes sense for the closing match of the series," said Erasmus.
Willemse suffered a hamstring problem in the second test and Erasmus said: "It's good to have (Willemse) back. He knows the guys around him very well, so it will simply be a matter of him picking up where he left off before last week."
As for the No. 9 jersey, Erasmus rewarded Van den Berg for "a fantastic impact" off the bench.
"He deserves a chance to start," the coach added.
SOUTH AFRICA (v New Zealand)
Damian Willemse, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Ethan Hooker, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Morné van den Berg; Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Ruan Nortjé, Eben Etzebeth, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nché.
Reserves: Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager, André Esterhuizen, Cameron Hanekom, Cobus Reinach, Manie Libbok.
Australian Associated Press
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