Erasmus backs Van den Berg to start at scrum-half against All Blacks

Rassie Erasmus has explained his decision to retain continuity in the Springboks team for Saturday’s fourth Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore, with Morne van den Berg promoted to the starting number nine position.

The Springboks have made only two changes to the side that played in Soweto. Damian Willemse returns to the starting line-up in place of the injured Cheslin Kolbe, while Van den Berg moves from the replacements’ bench into the starting XV.

The match is the final fixture of the Greatest Rivalry Series, and Erasmus believes the established combination gives his side the best chance of finishing the contest successfully.

“We feel that the team is well settled and all the players delivered in their respective roles in the last two matches, so we believe selecting the same matchday squad, and naming Damian back in his regular position, makes sense for the closing match of the series,” said Erasmus.

“These players also know exactly what to expect from a very determined All Blacks team, who will give everything to draw the series this weekend.”

Willemse started the first two Tests of the series but missed the previous match because of a niggle. His return restores him to the position he occupied before that absence, while Kolbe is unavailable because of injury.

Erasmus said Willemse’s familiarity with the players around him would allow him to settle back into the team without difficulty.

“Damian started the first two Tests and had it not been for a niggle last week, he would have also started that match, so it’s good to have him back. He is a quality player, and he knows the guys around him very well, so it will simply be a matter of him picking up where he left off before last week.

“Morne, meanwhile, made a fantastic impact when he took the field last week, and he deserves a chance to start, so Cobus switches to the bench where he will add experience and skill in this vital match.”

Van den Berg’s promotion follows the influence he had after coming on in the previous game. Erasmus has therefore chosen to give him the opportunity to begin the decisive Test, with Cobus moving into the replacements’ group.

The Springboks will face an All Blacks side determined to level the series in Baltimore. Erasmus expects New Zealand to commit fully to the final match, while his own selection reflects confidence in the players who have delivered in their respective roles during the last two Tests.

The fourth Test kicks off at 23:00 on Saturday.