Pieter-Steph du Toit will start at blindside flank and Francois Louw at No 8 for the Springboks’ match against the All Blacks at Newlands on Saturday.
The reshuffled loose trio is because of the injury-enforced absence of Uzair Cassiem, who sustained a fractured rib in last weekend’s 27-27 draw against the Wallabies in Bloemfontein. He will be out of action for up to six weeks.
‘Francois is a seasoned openside flanker, and although it’s his first Test start in the No 8 jersey, he has a good understanding of the role we expect from him,’ said coach Allister Coetzee. ‘I believe his vast experience will see him settle in quickly in this role. Jean-Luc du Preez will again provide good impact off the bench.’
In other changes to the pack, Lood de Jager will start at No 5 lock, while Steven Kitshoff replaces Beast Mtawarira, who will miss the match for family reasons.
With Kitshoff earning his first Test start, Wilco Louw has been drafted to the bench and will make his Bok debut if he comes on.
‘It’s a well-deserved starting opportunity for Steven,’ said Coetzee. ‘He has been working extremely hard in the past two seasons and fully deserves his chance.
‘Wilco has established himself during the Super Rugby season, while he also continued that form in the Currie Cup. When he gets the opportunity to play, it will be something special on his home ground.’
Springboks – 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Jan Serfontein, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Ross Cronjé, 8 Francois Louw, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth (c), 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Subs: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Trevor Nyakane,18 Wilco Louw, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Jean-Luc du Preez, 21 Rudy Paige, 22 Handré Pollard, 23 Damian de Allende.
Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
