Steyn back with Boks
First-choice No.10 Patrick Lambie is out with concussion – the result of an ugly collision with Ireland flank CJ Stander in the 20-26 loss to the Irish at Newlands last Saturday.
Elton Jantjies, who played almost 60 minutes off the bench after Stander's late and high charge sent Lambie to hospital, will start.
Coetzee said he is not willing to risk rookie Garth April – who played for South Africa A against the England Saxons in Bloemfontein last week – in the Test cauldron.
"It would be irresponsible of me to throw him [April] to the wolves," Coetzee said – adding that April will return to the A Team on Tuesday, ahead of their return match with the Saxons in George this coming Friday.
"I made it clear we would definitely consider Morne as a replacement option because of his vast experience, and I would therefore not hesitate to draft him into the match-day squad," explained Coetzee.
"Garth April is still a talented young man and was selected to learn and to develop. It is his first year in Super Rugby and his involvement with the squad will benefit him in the long run. Pat will return home for this week and we want to wish him well with his recovery."
Coetzee said he was looking at his No.10s, No.12s and No.9s to take control of the game and said for that reason he has opted for a player with "experience" ain the flyhalf channel.
Steyn was on holiday in South Africa after his French side, Stade Francais, failed to qualify for the Top 14 semifinals.
The other candidates Coetzee could have called up included six-times capped Bok Johan Goosen, who has been in sublime form for Racing 92 in France, or Frans Steyn, or World Cup-winning Montpellier-based Frans Steyn, who has been equally impressive.
Coetzee made it clear April is NOT a candidate at this stage.
"As I have said before, Garth April is here to get used to the Springbok culture," Coetzee said, when asked about the current flyhalves in the Bok squad.
"At this stage, for April, it is important for his development that he gets more opportunities in the A Team.
"With the view of winning Test matches, it is important to get a player with experience to act as back-up.
"If I was to throw Garth [April] to the wolves, there is the risk that I could break him as a player. It is my responsibility to protect him and look after him.
"I did not want a flyhalf [who is based] abroad to come in as third-choice. That would be a waste of time.
"As first choice or second choice [in the squad], yes, then you look abroad – but not if he is third-choice."
Meanwhile, the Coetzee confirmed the full squad will remain in camp for the entire week. Last week, the Springboks released four squad members to the SA 'A' team for their clash against the England Saxons in Bloemfontein.
"All our players will stay with us for this week as SA 'A' coach Johan Ackermann has requested to give playing opportunities to more members of his squad. Our players will be on standby should they be needed on short notice," Coetzee added.
By Jan de Koning, in Johannesburg
@King365ed
@rugby365com
