Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test four: South Africa vs New Zealand preview -

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test four sees the Springboks take on the All Blacks on Saturday, September 12 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

The All Blacks endured another marginal loss in the third Test 29-24, after initially opening the series with a win in the first Test.

The Springboks lead the series 2-1 heading into the fourth Test.

Injury updates and team strategies

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus spoke to SA Rugby reporters regarding his plans for the upcoming match, saying: “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 [Willemse] back in his regular position, makes sense for the closing match of the series.”

Erasmus also shared with SA Rugby reporters the predictable opposition from the All Blacks and his team’s preparation, adding: “We have faced the All Blacks three weeks in a row, and just like us, they are a proud team who showed last week that they will never stop fighting until the final whistle, so we are under no illusions about the magnitude of the challenge ahead this weekend.

“That said, we are equally determined to finish the series strongly and give everything to lift the trophy, and the players are excited about the match.

“We have no doubt that it’s going to be another epic encounter that will require a full-blown 80-minute effort on attack and defence.”

Changes in selection

Erasmus updated reporters on Willemse’s recovery and how Morne van den Berg’s strong impact off the bench earned him a starting berth.

Erasmus said: “Damian started the first two Tests and had it not been for a niggle last week, he would have also started that match, so it’s good to have him back.

“He is a quality player. It will simply be a matter of him picking up where he left off before last week.

“Morne, meanwhile, made a fantastic impact when he took the field last week, and he deserves a chance to start, so Cobus switches to the bench where he will add experience and skill in this vital match.”

Star Kolbe injured

Cheslin Kolbe, who suffered a broken jaw in the third Test, will miss out on the final game of the series.

According to SABC Sport, Kolbe shared an update with fans, saying: “Thank you for all the messages and support. Thank you to my wife for flying up to be here too and doing the most”.

“All in God’s hands and purpose. Let’s go boys!”

Update on All Blacks

New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie updated SuperSport reporters on captain Ardie Savea’s shoulder injury.

He explained: “It’s his shoulder. I’m not sure if it’s dislocated. He certainly won’t be travelling to the States”.

Alongside Savea, two other players have been ruled out, including Quinn Tupea, who suffered a knee injury and Luke Jacobson, who injured a tendon in his elbow.

Rennie said during a midweek press conference with New Zealand media reporters regarding potentially changing the line-up ahead of the game.

“We sort of always thought we would make changes in the fourth Test regardless of whether we won that third one or not,” he explained.

“Make sure we are bringing in guys with plenty of energy and share the load. Obviously with three key players missing, it alters that thinking as well.

“But what we know is we will have a highly motivated 23 guys stripping at the weekend.

Final thoughts

A lot is at stake for both the Springboks and the All Blacks ahead of the fourth Test.

For the Springboks, a win will secure a series victory, while an All Blacks win will result in a drawn series.

Confirmed Springbok line-up for Baltimore Test:

15 Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers)

14 Kurt-Lee Arendse (Mitsubishi Dynaboars)

13 Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles)

12 Damian de Allende (Wild Knights)

11 Ethan Hooker (Hollywoodbets Sharks)

10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers)

9 Morne van den Berg (10bet Lions)

8 Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks)

7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz)

6 Siya Kolisi (captain, DHL Stormers)

5 Ruan Nortje (Kubota Spears)

4 Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
3 Wilco Louw (DHL Stormers)
2 Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears)
1 Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks)

Replacements:

16 Deon Fourie (DHL Stormers)

17 Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls)
18 Thomas du Toit (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
19 Lood de Jager (Wild Knights)
20 Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
21 Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls)
22 Cobus Reinach (DHL Stormers)
23 Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners)

All Blacks 36-man squad for Baltimore Test:

Forwards:

Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan De Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Jamie Hannah, Sam Darry, Josh Lord, Patrick Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa’I, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Ethan Blackadder and Semisi Ta’eiloa

Backs:

Cam Roigard, Kyle Preston, Noah Hotham, Beauden Barrett, Ruben Love, Richie Mo’unga, Jordie Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Emoni Narawa, Rieko Ioane, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie