The All Blacks can shuffle the deck all they want, Mzwandile Stick and the Springbok brains trust saw it coming from a mile away. Nine changes for the final Test of the Greatest Rivalry Series in Baltimore? Richie Mo’unga parachuted back into the starting XV at flyhalf? No drama. The Bok assistant coach reckons they’ve got New Zealand’s number, regardless of who pulls on the black jersey.

Dave Rennie dropped the team sheet on Thursday with Mo’unga reclaiming the No 10 jersey from rising star Ruben Love, headlining a wholesale reshuffle that’s seen the All Blacks hit the reset button after losing the third Test. For most coaching panels, nine personnel changes would trigger alarm bells. Not for Stick and his cohorts.

Also read: All Blacks make nine changes for Baltimore clash against Springboks

“As coaches, we expected that selection,” Stick said matter-of-factly. “Richie is world-class, and we know him well. Ruben Love has also been playing really well as one of the young and upcoming stars in that team.”

The veteran playmaker’s return signals intent from the All Blacks, they’re desperate to level the series and salvage pride in front of what promises to be a raucous crowd in Maryland. Stick knows exactly what’s coming: attacking rugby with the handbrake off.

All Blacks to throw caution to the wind

“I think the All Blacks are going to be even more bold tomorrow when it comes to keeping the ball alive and using the wide channels, and we know how dangerous they are,” Stick warned.

But here’s the rub, the Springboks have been here before. They’ve stared down New Zealand’s attacking wizardry countless times, and Stick’s blueprint remains unchanged: impose your physicality, suffocate their space, and force them into errors.

“We’ve played against them many times, and the most important aspect for us is to enforce our game on them physically and go from there,” he said. “They have a top-class team, and they’re desperate to level the series. But we are also a passionate nation, and we want to make our country proud.”

Kolisi preaches flexibility over rigidity

Skipper Siya Kolisi, who’ll notch his 107th Test cap when he leads the Boks onto the pitch, isn’t buying into the narrative that South Africa are one-dimensional bruisers. The flanker insists their game plan is far more nuanced than critics give them credit for.

Also read: Rassie keeps faith with just two changes for series decider

“What matters within our circle is what we want of each other,” Kolisi stated. “What is said outside doesn’t really matter because we do what works for us, and we know who we are and want to stick to the way we play.

“Our system isn’t rigid. We can play set-piece rugby and a kicking game. We don’t have a system that says we have to play a certain way. It’s one that creates opportunities for us to play, so as long as it works, we’ll stick to it, and if it doesn’t, we’ll find a better way to do things.”

It’s a pointed response to those who’ve accused the world champions of playing percentage rugby to the point of tedium. Kolisi’s message is clear: flexibility is the name of the game, and the Boks will exploit whatever avenue presents itself.

Green and gold invasion of Baltimore

The humidity in Baltimore is oppressive, but Stick reckons most of his charges are accustomed to it, particularly those who’ve battled through Durban’s sweltering conditions. What’s blown him away is the sea of green and gold that’s descended on Maryland from across the United States.

Also read: Baltimore Test is a bitter pill for Bok faithful

South African expats have made the pilgrimage from different states to witness this heavyweight clash, transforming Baltimore into a mini-Johannesburg for the weekend.

“There are a lot of South Africans here, and the vibe is great, so we are excited about the opportunity to promote rugby in the USA,” Stick beamed. “Everywhere you go around the hotel you see green and gold and people are proud to see us, so we want to make sure we represent them and put up a good show.”

The stage is set for a colossal collision between rugby’s two heavyweights. Mo’unga’s back. The All Blacks are wounded and dangerous. The Springboks are ready to shut the door on the series.

Kick-off is at 23:00 SA time.