{
  "id": 4651036,
  "title": "Rassie says FNB Stadium Test is ‘one of most important in the series’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/rassie-says-fnb-stadium-test-is-one-of-most-important-in-the-series",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T13:06:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/rassie-says-fnb-stadium-test-one-of-most-important-series/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks' head coach, is confident that the upcoming third Test against the All Blacks at the FNB Stadium in Soweto is one of the most crucial games in the series. The Springboks are currently tied at 1-1 in the series following the All Blacks' 33-16 victory at Ellis Park and the Boks' 33-26 win at the Cape Town Stadium. With the teams set to face each other once more on South African soil before heading to the USA for the fourth Test in Baltimore next weekend, Erasmus emphasized the importance of securing a win in the FNB Stadium clash. The coach revealed that he made just one change to the team that secured the Cape Town victory, with Cheslin Kolbe moving to fullback and Kurt-Lee Arendse coming in on the wing. Erasmus highlighted the significance of continuity in the series, stating that they cannot win the series on Saturday but can prevent a loss. The Boks made several changes following the team announcement, including Siya Kolisi taking over the captaincy from Pieter-Steph du Toit, Cheslin Kolbe replacing Damian Willemse, and Kurt-Lee Arendse being substituted. However, the most surprising alteration was the front row switcheroo announced an hour before kick-off. Erasmus explained that this decision was made due to the expected wet playing conditions, with heavier front-rowers deemed better suited to play on heavier fields. The coach confirmed that this change was within the laws of the game and that the team performed well with the new lineup.",
  "summary": "There is only one new man in the matchday-23 from the Cape Town Test and that is due to an injury to Damian Willemse.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}