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Springboks make pair of changes for fourth Test against All Blacks in Baltimore
Sport Nation • September 8th, 2026 7:28 am
Springboks | Photo: Photosport
South Africa have made two changes to their starting XV for Sunday's (NZ time) fourth and final Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore.
The Springboks head into the series finale with a 2-1 lead after winning last weekend’s 29-24 thriller in Soweto, and coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for minimal changes as they look to secure the series.
Damian Willemse returns at fullback after recovering from injury, replacing Cheslin Kolbe, who suffered a fractured jaw in the third Test.
There is also a change at halfback, with Morne van den Berg promoted from the bench to start ahead of Cobus Reinach.
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Otherwise, Erasmus has retained the same match-day 23 that featured in Soweto.
Eben Etzebeth will add another milestone to his remarkable career, earning his 146th Test cap and extending his record as South Africa’s most-capped player.
The Springboks have won seven of their last nine meetings with the All Blacks, dating back to August 2023.
“We feel that the team is well settled and all the players delivered in their respective roles in the last two matches,” Erasmus said.
“So we believe selecting the same matchday squad, and naming Damian back in his regular position, makes sense for the closing match of the series.”
The All Blacks will name their side on Friday morning, with South Africa needing just a draw to claim the series.
South Africa team for fourth Test vs All Blacks:
1. Ox Nche, 2. Malcolm Marx, 3. Wilco Louw, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 5. Ruan Nortje, 6. Siya Kolisi (captain), 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8. Jasper Wiese, 9. Morne van den Berg, 10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 11. Ethan Hooker, 12. Damian de Allende, 13. Jesse Kriel, 14. Kurt-Lee Arendse, 15. Damian Willemse
Bench: 16. Deon Fourie, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Thomas du Toit, 19. Lood de Jager, 20. Andre Esterhuizen, 21. Cameron Hanekom, 22. Cobus Reinach, 23. Manie Libbok.
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