Kolbe Switched to Full-Back as Springboks Name Side for Third All Blacks Test
Cheslin Kolbe will start at full-back for South Africa in Saturday's third Test against New Zealand at FNB Stadium, with Damian Willemse ruled out through injury.
Rassie Erasmus named his side on Monday, continuing the policy of early team announcements he has followed in the two Tests so far. South Africa go into the match level at 1-1 after a 33-26 win in Cape Town, which followed New Zealand's victory at Ellis Park in the opener.
Willemse Out, Arendse In
Willemse was substituted at half-time in Cape Town with a hamstring problem and has not recovered in time. Kolbe, who started on the right wing in that match, moves to full-back in his place, with Kurt-Lee Arendse coming into the side to take the number 14 shirt. Ethan Hooker retains the other wing.
Kolbe was central to the win in Cape Town, kicking 18 points from the tee. South Africa were outscored four tries to three but his accuracy proved decisive.
Erasmus has made four changes to the starting fifteen, though only one new player comes into the matchday 23. The other three involve his front row, where Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw are promoted to start.
That trio had originally been selected to start in Cape Town before being told roughly an hour before kick-off that they would instead begin on the bench. Gerhard Steenekamp, 39-year-old hooker Deon Fourie and Thomas du Toit, who started that match, drop to the replacements.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu again starts at fly-half, with Manie Libbok among the replacements. Handre Pollard remains unavailable with a calf injury.
Etzebeth Extends His Record
Eben Etzebeth will make his 145th appearance for South Africa at lock, further extending his record as the most capped Springbok in history. Former captain Victor Matfield described him this week as probably the best Springbok of all time.
Elsewhere, Siya Kolisi captains the side from blindside flanker after scoring on his return from injury in Cape Town. Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese complete the back row.
What Is at Stake
Saturday's match is the last of the series to be played in South Africa, with the fourth and final Test taking place at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on 12 September. That means that for the winner of this game, a drawn series is the worst possible result.
FNB Stadium holds around 94,000, and is expected to be at close to capacity for this game. Kick-off is at 17:10 local time, with Georgia's Nika Amashukeli refereeing.
New Zealand were due to name their side on Thursday evening local time. Coach Dave Rennie is expected to make changes, with prop Ethan de Groot pushing for a return after missing the second Test through a knee injury and concussion.
The build-up has also been coloured by a continuing disagreement between the two coaches over scrummaging, an issue that surfaced before the second Test and prompted the referee to address both front rows during that match.
South Africa have lost only one home series in the past 30 years. This is New Zealand's first full tour of the country since 1996.
