Erasmus opts for consistency ahead of third RGR Test

Springbok coach, Rassie Erasmus, has made four changes to his starting XV for Saturday’s third Test against the All Blacks at the FNB Stadium in the third match of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.

The series is level at 1-1, after the All Blacks won the opening Test at Ellis Park, before the Boks responded with victory in Cape Town on Saturday.

The fourth Test of the series will take place is next week in Baltimore, USA.

Erasmus on Monday named Cheslin Kolbe to start at fullback in place of the injured Damian Willemse, with Kurt-Lee Arendse coming in on the wing.

In the front row, Erasmus has retained the same starting combination he selected for last weekend’s Test, although he made a late change to the front row an hour before kick-off in Cape Town.

“Unfortunately, Damian Willemse took a knock in the first half and was not available for selection this weekend, and neither was Handré Pollard. And by sticking to these combinations and making one switch with Cheslin at fullback, we thought it would be the best for this match,” Erasmus said.

“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,” he added.

The #Springboks have named their match-23 for Saturday’s third Test in #RugbysGreatestRivalry – more here: https://t.co/sJ2laG8ea8 🇿🇦#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/xPHoGxHOFw

— Springboks (@Springboks) August 31, 2026

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari