Cheslin Kolbe Takes on Fullback Role in Key Test Against All Blacks

In a significant development ahead of the highly anticipated third Test against the All Blacks, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has announced that Cheslin Kolbe will shift to the fullback position. This change comes after Damian Willemse sustained a hamstring injury during the second Test, compelling Erasmus to make a strategic adjustment for Saturday's match at FNB Stadium in Soweto.

Kolbe's move marks only his second start at fullback in 53 Tests, having previously played there against Japan in 2025. That outing ended in a resounding victory for the Springboks, but the stakes are considerably higher this weekend, as both teams vie for supremacy in the Greatest Rivalry series.

Kurt-Lee Arendse, who missed the second Test due to concussion, will reclaim his spot on the wing, joining Kolbe and Ethan Hooker in what promises to be an electrifying back three. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu retains the flyhalf position, with Handré Pollard unavailable. The rest of the squad remains unchanged from last week’s victorious outing, where the Springboks triumphed 33-26.

This clash holds added significance as it is the last Test on South African soil before the teams head to Baltimore for the final match in the series. After the All Blacks claimed victory in the first Test, both sides are eager to establish dominance, with the belief that winning twice in South Africa will secure a “moral” series victory.

Kolbe has proven to be a reliable asset during the series, successfully converting all 11 of his goal attempts thus far, contributing 29 points to his team. However, with forecasts predicting rain in Johannesburg, Erasmus hinted that further changes could be considered to adapt to the weather conditions. He remarked on the challenges posed by wet weather, emphasizing the importance of a strong front, which his chosen starting lineup aims to provide.

Erasmus, who faced criticism for late changes in previous matches, acknowledged the unpredictability of team announcements, stating, “The team sheet is only officially signed an hour before the game, so you can swap the entire team if you want to.” This reflects the fluid nature of preparing for such high-stakes encounters.

Despite the pressure of the series, Erasmus remains confident in his team’s preparedness. He noted that their players have logged fewer minutes on the field compared to their All Black counterparts over the past six weeks, which he hopes will prove advantageous. “We thought that the players who did the job for us last week really showed composure and did well to stick to the plan,” he added, reiterating the importance of continuity in player combinations.

As the Springboks gear up for this critical showdown, all eyes will be on Kolbe as he transitions into his new role, alongside a formidable team eager to reclaim their standing against the formidable New Zealand squad.

Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za