Another Springbok reshuffle
The Springboks have made five changes to the starting line-up for Saturday’s Tri-Nations Test against New Zealand in Port Elizabeth, as coach Peter de Villiers gambles with another new combination.
There were recalls for flyhalf Morné Steyn, loose forward Willem Alberts, hooker Bismarck du Plessis and loosehead prop Gurthrö Steenkamp. Patrick Lambie replaces the injured Frans Steyn at fullback.
In changes to the bench, CJ van der Linde was recalled as one of two props named in a five-two split while, Ashley Johnson replaces Jean Deysel, while Tendai Mtawarira, Danie Rossouw and Butch James are also among the replacements. Jean Deysel and Gerhard Mostert drop out of the match 22.
“This is our last chance to look at certain combinations before the Rugby World Cup. We’ve had these changes in mind since we started our planning for the international season, depending on the injury situation,” said Bok coach Peter de Villiers.
Victor Matfield will captain the team for a 16th time in his record 107th Test appearance for the Springboks.
De Villiers wants to offer all the players that haven’t had an opportunity to put their hand up for World Cup selection the chance to prove they should go to New Zealand and be in the starting XV.
“Gurthrö [Steenkamp] came back after almost a year [since his last Test] and I need to give him an opportunity,” the coach said. “Beast [Tendai Mtawarira] was very good last week, so he offers great cover from the bench.
“Jannie [Du Plessis] showed us that by far he’s our number one in that position and we need to be sensible with him, so that’s why there is cover for him too.”
De Villiers has also revealed at least a portion of his World Cup hand by indicating how highly he values Willem Alberts.
“Willem showed last year what great attributes he can bring to our side and to add him to what we already have will be brilliant for us,” he said.
“He’s been frustrated because of his injures and he has just managed to come right and we need him at the World Cup.”
There will be a great deal of interest generated by young Pat Lambie being handed an opportunity at fullback instead of Gio Aplon, who misses out altogether.
“Lambie is blessed with so much talent and he started off at fullback, then the Sharks needed him at flyhalf and converted him.
“I have the chance now created by injury to see him at fullback and I’d be stupid not to take that chance.”
South Africa: 15 Pat Lambie, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Victor Matfield (captain), 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 John Smit, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 CJ van der Linde, 19 Danie Rossouw, 20 Ashley Johnson, 21 Francois Hougaard, 22 Butch James.
Date: Saturday, August 20
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Andrew Small (England), Carlo Damasco (Italy)
TMO: Johann Meuwesen (South Africa)
