Cheslin Kolbe to play fullback in third Test against the All Blacks
South Africa’s rugby team will field Cheslin Kolbe at fullback in the third Test of the Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand. The match will take place on Saturday at FNB Stadium in Soweto, Daily Maverick reports.
Kolbe will replace Damian Willemse, who suffered a hamstring injury shortly before half-time in the second Test at DHL Stadium. Willemse did not return to the field in the second half, and coach Rassie Erasmus said the player was unavailable for selection for this weekend’s match.
Changes in the backline
It will be only Kolbe’s second start at fullback in his 53rd Test match. He previously started in the position against Japan at Wembley Stadium in 2025, when South Africa won 61:7.
Kurt-Lee Arendse, who missed the second Test due to concussion, has completed the required protocols and will return on the wing. Ethan Hooker will also complete the back three. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will retain the fly-half position, as Handre Pollard is also not ready for selection.
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In the first two matches of the series, Kolbe converted all 11 of his kicks at goal and scored 29 points. South Africa won the second Test 33:26, while the All Blacks won the opening match 33:16.
Erasmus did not rule out late changes
Erasmus said the starting lineup could change due to a forecast 65% chance of rain in Johannesburg. According to him, rain makes ball handling and tactical kicking more difficult and may also affect scrums. The coach noted that in dry weather the team would start with the announced lineup, but rain could lead to one or two changes.
Siya Kolisi will remain captain of the South African team. Eben Etzebeth, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende and Cobus Reinach were also included in the starting lineup. Erasmus added that the coaching staff had deliberately managed the players’ workload: over the past six weeks, his team’s players have spent about 60 minutes less on the field on average than the New Zealanders.
