The changes are both in the backline, with Damian Willemse returning at fullback in place of the injured Cheslin Kolbe, while Morné van den Berg earns his first start of the series at scrumhalf.

Cobus Reinach drops to the replacements bench, with Erasmus opting to keep faith with the players who have helped the Springboks fight their way into a 2-1 series lead.

Rassie Erasmus - Morgan Piek

The Boks produced determined performances in the past two Tests and now have an opportunity to make history by lifting the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry trophy.

A win in Baltimore would seal the series for South Africa. The All Blacks, meanwhile, have everything to play for after winning the opening Test and will need another victory to force the series into a draw.

Erasmus believes continuity is important heading into what promises to be another bruising encounter between the traditional rivals.

Cheslin Kolbe is out with a fractured jaw - Johan Orton

“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,” Erasmus said.

“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 returns to a position he knows well after missing last weekend’s Test because of a niggle.

The versatile back started the opening two matches and Erasmus said he would have retained his place last week had he been fully fit.

“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,” Erasmus said.

“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.”

Morné van den Berg - Morgan Piek

Van den Berg, meanwhile, impressed after coming off the bench in Johannesburg and has been rewarded with a starting berth.

“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,” Erasmus said.

The Springboks are under no illusion about the response they can expect from the All Blacks.

Damian Willemse returns at fullback - Johan Orton

Saturday's clash will be the third consecutive meeting between the sides, and Erasmus believes New Zealand's fighting spirit makes them particularly dangerous with their backs against the wall.

“We have faced the All Blacks three weeks in a row, and just like us, they are a proud team who showed last week that they will never stop fighting until the final whistle, so we are under no illusions about the magnitude of the challenge ahead this weekend,” he said.

The Boks are also looking beyond Baltimore, with the squad scheduled to travel directly from the United States to Australia for a Test against the Wallabies in Perth on 27 September.

Kolbe is among six players who remained in South Africa after the squad's departure for the USA.

For now, however, Erasmus and his players are focused solely on finishing the rivalry series on a high.

“That said, we are equally determined to finish the series strongly and give everything to lift the trophy, and the players are excited about the match,” Erasmus said.

“We have no doubt that it’s going to be another epic encounter that will require a full-blown 80-minute effort on attack and defence, so we will manage the players well this week to ensure that they are ready physically and mentally for Saturday.”

Saturday’s Test in Maryland kicks off at 23:00.

Springboks - 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nché

Replacements - 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Cameron Hanekom, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Manie Libbok

All Blacks – TBA

Morgan Piek OFM Sport