Head coach Rassie Erasmus has named his matchday squad for the fourth Test, retaining a pack that demonstrated decisive set-piece strength in previous outings while welcoming back Damian Willemse at full-back, as reported in team announcements.
Springboks Target Series Finale Dominance in Baltimore
The Springboks enter the weekend clash holding a 2-1 lead in the four-match series after recovering from an opening defeat at Ellis Park, according to match records. South Africa dropped the first Test before bouncing back with a 33-26 victory in Cape Town and following it up with an expansive four-try performance in the third Test, which featured a penalty try from a pushover scrum and a dominant lineout maul, per match summaries. Erasmus noted that his side may have focused too much on stopping New Zealand in the opener rather than taking necessary risks.
“At the end of the day you just need to outscore your opposition,” Erasmus said during a team announcement, according to source reports. “If it means they score four tries and you kick five drop-goals like Jannie de Beer at the 1999 World Cup against England, you just need to score more points than them.”
Team Selections and Late Changes for the Fourth Test
Erasmus has made only two changes to the side that defeated New Zealand last Saturday, bringing in Damian Willemse at full-back for the injured Cheslin Kolbe and handing Morné van den Berg his first start of the series at scrum-half, with Cobus Reinach moving to the bench, according to team sheets. Kolbe was ruled out after breaking his jaw while making a tackle. The forward pack remains unchanged from the previous weekend.
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This stability contrasts with Erasmus’s approach earlier in the tour. Before the second Test, the initial front row of Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Wilco Louw was altered just an hour before kick-off, with Gerhard Steenekamp, Deon Fourie, and Thomas du Toit stepping into the starting lineup instead, as documented in match records.
All Blacks Revamp Squad Following Injuries
New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie has been forced into a significant reshuffle due to injuries and personnel changes, bringing in Richie Mo’unga at fly-half for his first Test appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, according to squad updates. The All Blacks are missing captain and No 8 Ardie Savea (shoulder), flanker Luke Jacobson (elbow), centre Quinn Tupaea (knee), and lock Fabian Holland (illness), per team reports. Hooker Codie Taylor assumes the captaincy, while Fletcher Newell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ethan Blackadder, and Anton Lienert-Brown enter the starting XV.
“We always planned for there to be a number of changes for this match,” Rennie said, according to source material. “We have everything to play for on Saturday. It is our chance to draw the series and end the tour with a performance to be proud of.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the fourth Test between South Africa and New Zealand taking place?
The finale is being played on US soil at the home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, according to match schedules.
Who are the starting fly-halves for the fourth Test?
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu starts for South Africa, while Richie Mo’unga returns at fly-half for New Zealand, per the official team lineups.
What is the current score in the series?
South Africa leads the series 2-1 after dropping the opening match and winning the subsequent two encounters, according to tournament records.
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