South Africa’s head coach, Rassie Erasmus, has tweaked his matchday squad for the third test of the New Zealand series, which will be contested at Johannesburg’s iconic stadium on Saturday. The alteration was forced by an injury to centre Damien Willemse, prompting a reshuffle that sees versatile back Cheslin Kolbe shift from his usual wing position to full‑back, while the dynamic Kurt‑Lee Arendse is drafted in to fill Kolbe’s vacated spot on the outside. In the half‑back department, Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu retains the starting fly‑half duties, with Manie Libbok named on the bench as his immediate reserve. The Springboks continue to miss the experienced Handre Pollard, who remains sidelined with a lingering calf problem.
Captain Siya Kolisi, who has just returned from a hamstring strain, is slated to start once again, anchoring a back‑row that includes the powerful Pieter‑Steph du Toit and the hard‑working Jasper Wiese. Their combined physicality and work rate are expected to provide the platform for the Springboks’ attacking platform. A historic milestone will also be marked in the lock position as Eben Etzebeth lines up for his 145th test, extending his record as the most‑capped player in South African rugby history.
The front row will be marshalled by hooker Malcolm Marx, with props Ox Nche and Wilco Louw completing the set‑piece unit. Erasmus explained the reasoning behind the changes in a pre‑match interview, saying, “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.” The coach’s emphasis on stability reflects a broader strategy to build cohesion as the series moves into its decisive phase. The Springboks entered the third test on the back of a dramatic 33‑26 win in Cape Town, where returning captain Kolisi celebrated his comeback with a try, leveling the four‑match series at one win apiece.
That victory, described by many as a classic encounter in the storied rivalry between the two nations, highlighted South Africa’s resilience and set the tone for a tightly contested showdown in Johannesburg. The starting fifteen for the match will be: 15 Cheslin Kolbe (full‑back) 14 Kurt‑Lee Arendse (wing) 13 Jesse Kriel (centre) 12 Damian de Allende (centre) 11 Ethan Hooker (wing) 10 Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu (fly‑half) 9 Cobus Reinach (scrum‑half) 8 Jasper Wiese (number 8) 7 Pieter‑Steph du Toit (flanker) 6 Siya Kolisi (captain, flanker) 5 Ruan Nortje (lock) 4 Eben Etzebeth (lock) 3 Wilco Louw (prop) 2 Malcolm Marx (hooker) 1 Ox Nche (prop) The bench will feature: 16 Deon Fourie 17 Gerhard Steenekamp 18 Thomas du Toit 19 Lood de Jager 20 Andre Esterhuizen 21 Cameron Hanekom 22 Morne van den Berg 23 Manie Libbok All matches are broadcast live on Sky Sports, with kick‑off times listed for the UK and Ireland.
Viewers can also stream the entire New Zealand tour of South Africa via the Sky Sports app, enjoying contract‑free access to every minute of action. The decision to move Kolbe to full‑back is particularly noteworthy. Kolbe’s pace, footwork and counter‑attacking instincts make him a potent weapon from deep, and his experience on the wing should translate into a solid defensive presence at the rear. Meanwhile, Arendse’s inclusion adds fresh speed on the flank, giving Erasmus an extra option to exploit any gaps in the All Blacks’ line.
South Africa’s forward pack, anchored by the ever‑reliable Etzebeth and the dynamic du Toit, will look to dominate the set‑piece and provide a stable platform for the backs. The combination of Marx’s scrummaging prowess and the mobility of Louw and Nche should give the Springboks a balanced front row capable of both power and agility. If the Springboks can replicate the intensity and composure displayed in Cape Town, they stand a strong chance of clinching the series. The match also offers Kolisi an opportunity to cement his leadership after his injury lay‑off, while Etzebeth aims to further cement his legacy as South Africa’s most‑capped player.
Fans are encouraged to tune in via Sky Sports or the dedicated app for a seamless viewing experience, and to stay updated with real‑time notifications for scores, team news and post‑match analysis. The third test promises to be a pivotal chapter in one of rugby’s greatest rivalries, with both nations eager to claim the upper hand in a tightly contested series.