As the Springboks and All Blacks prepare for the final clash in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at M&T Bank Stadium, the stakes are high with South Africa leading the series 2-1. This is not only a historic game for being the first rugby match at this venue but also marks the Springboks' first test on U.S. soil since 2018. With the trophy up for grabs, both teams have made crucial adjustments to their squads.
Rassie Erasmus has maintained a stable selection, changing only a few positions due to injuries. Damian Willemse makes a return as full-back, stepping in for Cheslin Kolbe, while Morne van den Berg gets a nod over Cobus Reinach. On the other hand, Dave Rennie has introduced significant changes to the All Blacks' lineup, stirred by both strategy and injury necessities.
"We always planned for there to be a number of changes for this match," Rennie stated, underlining the strategic reshuffle.
The All Blacks' starting XV sees Richie Mo'unga returning as fly-half after a significant hiatus, bringing experienced leadership back into the fold. The forward pack welcomes new faces with Codie Taylor returning as captain leading a completely revamped front row and adjustments in the lock and back row positions to compensate for injuries.
South Africa's formidable scrum, which has been a consistent source of strength, will face a fresh New Zealand front row. The Springboks' bench, known colloquially as the 'Bomb Squad', is expected to play a pivotal role, particularly in the later stages of the game, where fresh legs could turn the tide in a tightly contested match.
"We're keen to give Richie a crack, and he's prepared really well this week," Rennie shared, highlighting Mo'unga's preparedness and crucial role.
The match dynamics are likely to be influenced heavily by the set-pieces and the battle at the breakdown. Malcolm Marx's ability to disrupt at the breakdown could be key, while New Zealand's rearranged back row will have to quickly find cohesion to counter the threats posed by the Springboks' experienced loosies.
The strategic kicking game will also be vital. With late summer humidity in Baltimore, handling could be tricky. The Springboks’ tactical kicking, led by van den Berg’s precise box kicks and the chasing prowess of players like Kurt-Lee Arendse, will aim to create pressure and scoring opportunities.
As fatigue sets in, particularly given the All Blacks' grueling schedule—eight matches in seven weeks—the final quarter could prove decisive. The fresh legs from the 'Bomb Squad' might just tip the scale in favor of South Africa, echoing past performances where the Springboks have successfully ramped up pressure in the closing stages.
This climactic encounter not only decides the holder of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry trophy but also tests the depth and resilience of two of the world’s premier rugby nations. As both teams face off under the lights in Baltimore, the promise of a thrilling contest looms, potentially adding another memorable chapter to this storied rivalry.
