Springboks v All Blacks in Baltimore: Who will Rassie turn to for series decider?
A win by the Boks will give them the series, but should the All Blacks take the fourth Test, the series will be a draw.
The Springboks have cemented their unassailable lead in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series with a 29-24 victory over the All Blacks in their 3rd Test at FNB Stadium, South Africa. Coach Rassie Erasmus has now set his sights on the final Test in Baltimore, USA, where the Boks will aim to secure a third consecutive win over their biggest rivals.
The management have decided to bring Handré Pollard and Canan Moodie into the starting lineup, alongside players recovering from injuries. Kolbe will remain injured and sidelined, despite stepping in for Willemse in the previous match. Pollard, who has faced injury problems in recent times, is expected to start at fullback, while Grant Williams, who started the first Test but was injured in the second, is likely to return to action.
The question remains whether he starts or serves as a substitute. Erasmus may also consider giving the No 9 jersey to Morné van den Berg, who impressed from the bench in the third Test. The decision on where to slot Moodie is also uncertain – he may play on the wing or opt for an outside centre position, potentially replacing Jesse Kriel who has played all three Tests so far.
Other players such as André Esterhuizen, Lood de Jager, Cameron Hanekom, and Manie Libbok, who have only featured off the bench thus far, could also be given a chance at starting. The players not participating in the USA are Carlu Sadie, Boan Venter, and Ntuthuko Mchunu, along with Cobus Wiese and Ben-Jason Dixon. Erasmus has indicated that he will consider the injuries, devise a plan, and then it will be a battle of one against one in the upcoming match.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
