South Africa's head coach, Rassie Erasmus, has tweaked his matchday squad for the third test of the four‑match series against the All Blacks, which will be played at Johannesburg's iconic stadium on Saturday. The adjustment follows an injury to winger Damien Willemse, prompting Erasmus to reshuffle the back‑three and bring a fresh face onto the bench. In practical terms, the change sees the electrifying Cheslin Kolbe shifting from his usual wing position to fullback, while the dynamic Kurt‑Lee Arendse steps onto the field to fill Kolbe's vacancy on the wing.
This move not only maintains the team's attacking potency but also provides Kolbe with the chance to showcase his defensive reliability and counter‑attacking flair from the deeper fullback role. The half‑back pairing remains largely unchanged, with Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu once again named at fly‑half. He will be supported from the bench by Manie Libbok, who offers a versatile skill set and could be called upon to inject fresh energy or to cover multiple positions if needed.
The Springboks continue to cope with the absence of veteran kicker Handre Pollard, who is still sidelined with a calf injury that has kept him out of training for several weeks. Pollard's unavailability has forced the coaching staff to rely on alternative goal‑kicking options and to adjust their tactical approach in the set‑piece and open play.
Captain Siya Kolisi, who missed the previous test due to a hamstring strain, is cleared to start and will lead the back row alongside the formidable Pieter‑Steph du Toit and the powerful Jasper Wiese. Kolisi's return adds leadership and experience to a unit that has already demonstrated resilience throughout the series.
Their combined work rate, ball‑carrying ability, and defensive solidity will be crucial as South Africa seeks to regain control of the series after a narrow defeat in the opening match. In the second row, Eben Etzebeth will line up at lock, marking his 145th cap for the Springboks. This milestone extends his record as the most‑capped player in South African rugby history, underscoring his longevity and consistent performance at the highest level. Etzebeth's presence provides a physical anchor in the line‑out and a relentless work rate in the rucks and mauls, qualities that are essential against a New Zealand pack known for its speed and technical proficiency.
The front row will be anchored by hooker Malcolm Marx, with the prop duo of Ox Nche and Wilco Louw completing the set‑piece unit. Marx, a seasoned campaigner, brings accurate throwing and dynamic ball‑carrying, while Nche and Louw contribute stability and scrummaging power, ensuring the Springboks can compete effectively in the tight exchanges. Erasmus explained the rationale behind the selection, stating, "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." His comments highlight the importance of building cohesion and maintaining a clear game plan, especially in a series where each test carries significant weight. The third test arrives after a dramatic comeback victory in Cape Town, where returning captain Kolisi crossed the try line to help the Springboks edge out New Zealand 33‑26, leveling the series at one win apiece.
That match showcased South Africa's ability to respond under pressure, with Kolbe, Arendse, and the rest of the backline delivering a blend of speed, creativity, and defensive resilience. The win also reinforced the tactical adjustments made by Erasmus, who emphasized a more structured defensive line and a quicker ball recycle to exploit gaps in the All Blacks' defense. The starting XV for the upcoming test is expected to be: 15‑Cheslin Kolbe (now at fullback), 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 include Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager, Andre Esterhuizen, Cameron Hanekom, Morne van den Berg, and Manie Libbok, providing depth across the backline and forward pack. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with kick‑off times listed for UK and Ireland audiences. Fans can also stream the entire New Zealand tour of South Africa via the Sky Sports app, enjoying contract‑free access to every minute of the action. As the series reaches its midpoint, the Springboks aim to capitalize on the momentum generated by Kolisi's return and Etzebeth's historic appearance, seeking to tilt the balance in their favour and reclaim the coveted Rugby World Cup trophy in the years ahead.