Cheslin Kolbe starts at full-back as Springboks keep side stable ahead of colossal third Test
Springboks star Cheslin Kolbe has been selected at full-back for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry third Test, coming in for the injured Damian Willemse.
Willemse sustained a knock in the second Test at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium on Saturday, with Kolbe’s shift to backfield allowing for the stylistically suitable replacement in the form of Kurt-Lee Arendse on the right wing.
The only other change sees the front rows swapped around, with Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw back to challenge the All Blacks from the outset.
Continuity the focus
“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,” Erasmus said.
“Unfortunately, Damian Willemse took a knock in the first half and was not available for selection this weekend, and neither was Handre Pollard.
“And by sticking to these combinations and making one switch with Cheslin at full-back, we thought it would be the best for this match.
“Kurt-Lee was unlucky not to play last week after Cheslin recovered from his niggle, so we are pleased to see him back.
“He is a quality player and his 25 tries in 33 matches so far shows the type of player he is.”
Resolute up front
On the decision to revert back to the Boks’ starting front row, Erasmus added: “We decided to change our front rows last week due to the weather conditions.
“And Johannesburg weather is different to Cape Town, so we thought this would be the best decision for us this weekend.
“Gerhard, Thomas, and Deon have played massive games for us, and at the same time know how to deal with pressure, and that is exactly what we need against a never-say-die team like the All Blacks, who play for the full 80-minutes.”
Crunch game ahead
“This game is going to be equally, if not more intense than the last two given the fact that the team that wins this match will be two games up in the series.
“Which will make the clash in the USA the decider or game that could see the series finish in a draw, so there will be a different vibe around this match.
“We are excited that we will be playing at the FNB stadium, where on a good day there is an 80 000 strong crowd,” Erasmus continued.
“And that will be a new and exciting experience for our players because most of these players have never ran onto the field there, and the support we enjoy there will add to the occasion.
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Springboks match 23
15 Cheslin Kolbe (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 Cobus Reinach (DHL Stormers)
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 Morne van den Berg (10bet Lions)
23 Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners)
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