Rassie Erasmus has shown his hand for Saturday’s Greatest Rivalry Series decider in Baltimore, making just two changes to the starting XV that conquered the All Blacks at FNB Stadium, and both tweaks tell a clear story: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

The Springbok coach has rewarded the troops who delivered back-to-back victories over New Zealand with another crack at glory at M&T Bank Stadium, where a win will seal the inaugural four-Test series and cement South Africa’s 2-1 advantage into silverware.

With continuity the watchword, Erasmus’s only forced change sees Damian Willemse step into the fullback berth vacated by the injured Cheslin Kolbe, whilst Morné van den Berg earns a starting nod at scrumhalf, pushing the experienced Cobus Reinach onto a loaded replacements bench.

Kolbe injury forces reshuffle

Kolbe, who limped off last weekend during the Boks’ thrilling victory in Johannesburg, is one of six players who remained in South Africa as the squad jetted to the USA.

The decision to hand Van den Berg the starting scrumhalf role suggests Erasmus is looking for a specific tactical approach against an All Blacks side desperate to level the series after their opening-Test victory. Van den Berg’s selection pushes the reliable Reinach to the bench, where he’ll provide crucial impact in the closing stages.

Settled pack ready for battle

The forward pack remains unchanged, with captain Siya Kolisi flanking Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese in a back row that has dominated the collisions in recent weeks. The second-row pairing of Eben Etzebeth and Ruan Nortje continues, whilst the front row of Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Wilco Louw gets another opportunity to deliver set-piece dominance.

Also read: All Blacks take another swipe at Boks’ scrum despite admitting its dominance in Soweto

The backline sees Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende resume their midfield partnership, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu orchestrating proceedings at flyhalf. Ethan Hooker retains his place on the left wing after impressive recent performances.

Bomb squad primed for impact

The Springbok bench, famously dubbed the “Bomb Squad”, features plenty of firepower. Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, and Thomas du Toit provide front-row cover, whilst Lood de Jager adds lock reinforcement. André Esterhuizen and Cameron Hanekom offer backline and loose forward options respectively, with Reinach and Manie Libbok rounding out the replacements.

Straight to Australia

The match kicks off at 23h00 South African time on Saturday, with the Springboks facing a demanding schedule thereafter. Win, lose, or draw in Baltimore, the squad will travel directly from the USA to Australia for their one-off Test against the Wallabies at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, 27 September.

For the All Blacks, it’s do or die. A victory in Baltimore would square the series at 2-2, salvaging pride from the campaign. For the Springboks, it’s a chance to claim another trophy and continue their reign as world rugby’s premier force.

With Erasmus backing the same combinations that delivered in Johannesburg, the message to his players is clear: finish the job.

Springbok Team for Baltimore:

15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche

Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 André Esterhuizen, 21 Cameron Hanekom, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Manie Libbok