{
  "id": 6215717,
  "title": "Willemse replaces Kolbe for Springboks' All Blacks series decider",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/willemse-replaces-kolbe-for-springboks-all-blacks-series-decider",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-08T02:39:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2026/09/1528065/willemse-replaces-kolbe-springboks-all-blacks-series-decider"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South Africa's head coach Rassie Erasmus announced two changes to the team line-up for the series decider against New Zealand in Baltimore. Damian Willemse will replace the injured Cheslin Kolbe at full-back, while Morne van den Berg replaces Cobus Reinach at scrum-half. Erasmus praised Willemse's quality and his familiarity with the team, stating that he will continue where he left off. Van den Berg brought valuable experience to the bench. Despite a rusty performance, fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu retained his starting position, with Manie Libbok on the bench as a reserve. Erasmus acknowledged that Feinberg-Mngomezulu is not yet at full strength but recognized the importance of his fourth game back for the team.",
  "summary": "BALTIMORE: Damian Willemse will replace the injured Cheslin Kolbe at full-back in two changes named by South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus on Monday for this weekend’s series decider against New Zealand in Baltimore.",
  "key_points": [
    "Damian Willemse replaces injured Cheslin Kolbe at full-back",
    "Morne van den Berg substitutes Cobus Reinach at scrum-half",
    "Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu retains starting position for fly-half"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Willemse's inclusion at full-back, replacing injured Kolbe, indicates Erasmus is prioritizing continuity with existing squad members over making drastic changes for the series decider against New Zealand.",
  "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."
}