High Stakes For New Zealand Rugby
The All Blacks face a dangerous counter-attacking threat at FNB Stadium after South Africa reshuffled their backline for Saturday’s crucial third Test in Johannesburg. Following an injury to Damian Willemse, Cheslin Kolbe moves to fullback, allowing the lethal Kurt-Lee Arendse to slot into the starting lineup on the wing.
After two tests the Greatest Rivalry series is tied 1-1.
Springboks Maintain Momentum After Cape Town
With the four-match series deadlocked at 1-1, this backfield dynamic brings severe defensive challenges. The recent second Test in the Springboks vs All Blacks series saw the hosts claim a 33-26 win. Head coach Rassie Erasmus has retained the rest of his winning core, with lock Eben Etzebeth making a record-extending 145th appearance alongside captain Siya Kolisi.
Erasmus returns to the original front row that he named before the second test, but made a late change, just an hour or so before kick off.
Erasmus Emphasises Squad Composure And Continuity
Erasmus underlined the importance of maintaining cohesion heading into the Johannesburg clash. “It was always our plan to have a little more continuity in player combinations for this series and we thought that the players who did the job for us last week really showed composure and did well to stick to the plan and what we wanted to achieve last week,” said Erasmus.
The teams from both sides have been relatively consistent with few major changes coming between the first two tests, other than those forced through injury.
Defensive Discipline Crucial At High Altitude
Controlling the threat posed by Kolbe and Arendse in broken play will test the territorial kicking and wide defensive discipline of New Zealand rugby at altitude as both heavyweights battle for the series lead.
