All Blacks expected to respond strongly as Springboks name team for third Test

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus expects the All Blacks to respond with urgency when the sides meet at FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, after South Africa levelled the series with a 33-26 victory in Cape Town.

The result means the teams are tied with two matches remaining in the Greatest Rivalry Series. Erasmus has named his side for the third Test, with South Africa preparing for what he believes will be another fiercely contested encounter.

“We know how it felt after the first match in Johannesburg, and such a result really galvanises a team, so we have no doubt that they will go full-out to win this Test match before the series finale in the USA next week,” said Erasmus.

South Africa lost the opening match in Johannesburg before recovering in Cape Town, and Erasmus believes the All Blacks will draw on the same determination the Springboks showed after that first defeat.

“They are one of the two best teams in the world and based on experience, they never give up, as we saw last weekend, so this will undoubtedly be another epic encounter between the sides.

“After two games, we are both into hard Test rugby mode, and we have a good idea of what to expect from one another, so it is going to be another grind of a match.”

The Springboks have made changes to their front row for the third Test, returning to the original starting combination announced last week. Erasmus said the decision had been influenced by the differing weather conditions in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

“We decided to change our front rows last week due to the weather conditions, and Johannesburg weather is different to Cape Town, so we thought this would be the best decision for us this weekend.

“Gerhard, Thomas, and Deon have played massive games for us, and at the same time know how to deal with pressure, and that is exactly what we need against a never-say-die team like the All Blacks, who play for the full 80 minutes.”

Erasmus said the experience of Gerhard, Thomas and Deon would be particularly valuable against an All Blacks side renowned for continuing to compete until the final whistle.

Saturday’s match is a pivotal stage in the series, with both teams seeking to take the lead before the finale in the USA next week. The contest is expected to produce another high-tempo and physical Test between two of the leading sides in world rugby.

Kick-off at FNB Stadium is scheduled for 17:10.