South Africa’s head coach, Rassie Erasmus, announced a single alteration to the matchday 23 for the third Test of the New Zealand series, which will be contested in Johannesburg on Saturday and broadcast live on Sky Sports. The adjustment was forced by an injury to Damien Willemse, who is unable to take part. As a result, versatile back Cheslin Kolbe will shift from his usual wing position to fullback, while Kurt‑Lee Arendse is brought into the squad to fill the wing slot vacated by Kolbe.
The half‑back pairing remains largely unchanged, with Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu once again named at fly‑half and Manie Libbok listed on the bench as his backup. Handre Pollard continues to be sidelined because of a lingering calf issue, meaning the Springboks will have to rely on other play‑makers for the kicking duties. Captain Siya Kolisi, who has recovered from a recent hamstring strain, is set to start the third Test and will lead the back‑row alongside veteran lock Pieter‑Steph du Toit and powerful number eight Jasper Wiese. This trio provides a blend of experience, physicality and ball‑carrying ability that Erasmus expects to dominate the breakdown and provide a platform for the backs.
In the second row, Eben Etzebeth will take to the field for his 145th cap, further cementing his status as the most‑capped Springbok in history. His longevity and leadership at lock are invaluable as South Africa seeks to maintain a solid set‑piece and line‑out platform against a technically gifted All Blacks side. The front row will be comprised of hooker Malcolm Marx, flanker Ox Nche and prop Wilco Louw. Marx’s expertise at the breakdown and his ability to win turnovers will be crucial, while Nche and Louw bring stability and scrummaging power to the set‑piece.
Erasmus commented on the decision, 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 last week.” His remarks underline the strategic emphasis on building cohesion rather than making wholesale changes. The third Test follows a dramatic 33‑26 win for South Africa in Cape Town, where returning captain Kolisi marked his comeback by scoring a try, leveling the four‑Test series at one win apiece. That match, often billed as part of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, showcased the intensity and skill that both nations bring to the sport, and it set the stage for a decisive showdown in Johannesburg.
In addition to the men’s fixture, the day will also feature the inaugural clash between the New Zealand and South Africa women’s teams, a historic moment that will be aired on Sky Sports Action with coverage beginning at 12:30 pm. This parallel event highlights the growing prominence of women’s rugby on the international stage. The starting XV for South Africa is expected to be: - 15 Cheslin Kolbe (fullback) - 14 Kurt‑Lee Arendse (right wing) - 13 Jesse Kriel (outside centre) - 12 Damian de Allende (inside centre) - 11 Ethan Hooker (left wing) - 10 Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu (fly‑half) - 9 Cobus Reinach (scrum‑half) - 8 Jasper Wiese (number eight) - 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 will be shown live on Sky Sports, with kick‑off times listed for the UK and Ireland. Viewers are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for the best video‑player experience, and they can download the Sky Sports app to receive tailored sports notifications.
The third Test is more than just another game; it is a pivotal moment in a tightly contested series that could swing either way. South Africa will be looking to capitalize on the momentum generated by Kolisi’s return and Etzebeth’s record‑breaking appearance, while New Zealand will aim to re‑assert their dominance after the narrow defeat in Cape Town. Both sides have displayed a mixture of tactical nuance, physical intensity, and individual brilliance throughout the series, and the Johannesburg encounter promises to deliver another chapter of high‑quality, hard‑fought rugby. Fans can follow every minute of the All Blacks’ tour of South Africa exclusively on Sky Sports, with the option to stream the action contract‑free via the NOW platform.
The broadcast will feature in‑depth analysis, pre‑match interviews, and post‑match breakdowns to give viewers a comprehensive understanding of the strategies and performances on display. In summary, the only change to the Springboks’ lineup is the shift of Kolbe to fullback and the inclusion of Arendse on the wing, a move dictated by Willemse’s injury. The rest of the squad remains largely intact, reflecting Erasmus’s desire for stability and continuity as the series reaches its decisive phase.
With a seasoned captain back in the side, a record‑setting lock, and a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, South Africa is poised to fight for a series‑leveling victory in what promises to be a thrilling contest against their historic rivals, New Zealand.