Kriel to be unleashed in series decider?

Stander missed the second Test in Johannesburg after being suspended for an act of foul play he comitted in the first Test, which the Irish won 26-20 at Newlands.

Stander was given a red card in that match after clattering into Patrick Lambie.

The 26-year-old South African-born flank will be looking to redeem himself in Port Elizabeth and the Springboks know that they will also have to bring something extra to the battle.

On Tuesday, after the Springboks training session at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Springbok assistant coach Matthew Proudfoot hinted that Lions flank Jaco Kriel might play a big part in their plans for the showdown.

"The big challenge for us is that CJ [Stander] will be back for them," said Proudfoot.

"He is a big ball carrier – their loose forwards were really good in the contact areas and I think CJ has been superb for them all season. 

"I think if we create a bit of space for Jaco [Kriel] and really put the foot on the accelerator in the second half then I think he will be really effective." 

If Kriel does get his chance, he could be an effective addition off the bench late on. However, Proudfoot does not want him to be seen as just an impact player

"I think he [Kriel] can do it from the start. 

"I don't think he is that type of player who should only be used as an impact player. 

"He is robust, he is tough and I have just been amazed at the quality of loose forwards in our squad. [Sikhumbuzo] Notshe has not even had an opportunity yet," Proudfoot added. 

Meanwhile, with Duane Vermeulen out injured, Warren Whiteley is set for his first Test start for the Springboks this coming weekend.

There was an injury cloud hanging over the Lions stalwart at the beginning of the week, but Proudfoot confirmed that 28-year-old will be ready for Saturday's encounter.

"He [Whiteley] is really intelligent and sharp," said Proudfoot.

"He is a good line-out exponent and very quick off the base, but what has amazed me is his leadership. How he leads guys is phenomenal – he is a guy with an unbelievably high work ethic and those are his qualities. 

"He makes the job easier for Adriaan [ Strauss as captain] – he aligns a lot of the fringe players and that is crucial in a squad."

South Africa and Ireland are tied at one-all in the series – after the Irish won the first Test (26-20) at Newlands on June 11, the Boks bounced back to win (32-26) at Ellis Park last Saturday. 

By Warren Fortune, in Port Elizabeth

@WarrenFortune

@rugby365com