By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Rassie Erasmus has made 10 changes to Springbok starting XV for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash with Scotland at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane.
Ten players from the match 23 that beat England 45-21 last week have been retained, with Jesse Kriel, Damian Willemse, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Paul de Villiers and Ruan Nortjé all keeping their starting spots. Du Toit also continues as captain.
Canan Moodie moves up from the bench to the left wing, and Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Zachary Porthen, Ben-Jason Dixon and Grant Williams have all been named among the replacements.
The backline named by Erasmus has a fresh look to it, with Aphelele Fassi forming a back three with Edwill van der Merwe and Moodie, while Kriel joins forces with Willemse in the midfield, and the halfback duo of Handre Pollard and Embrose Papier will dictate play on their home ground at Loftus Versfeld.
The changes to Erasmus’ forward pack will see Boan Venter, Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw, form the front row, while Cobus Wiese will partner up with Nortje at lock.
De Villiers, who stepped in as a replacement for the injured Siya Kolisi in his first Test last week, will have another run in the green and gold in a loose trio with Du Toit and Evan Roos.
The replacements bench features a split of six forwards and two backs, with Wessels joining up with Ntuthuko Mchunu and Porthen in the front row, while Dixon, Vincent Tshituka, and Elrigh Louw will provide additional forward cover. The two backline players on the bench are Williams and Quan Horn.
Kolisi (flanker), Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager (both locks), Franco Mostert (utility forward), Ox Nche (prop), Andre Esterhuizen (who covers centre and flanker), and Ethan Hooker (wing) remain unavailable for selection this week due to their respective niggles.
“We have good depth in our squad, and this will be a great test for the team,” said Erasmus.
“We told the players from the outset that we would give as many of them a chance as possible to play this season, while we are also trying to manage some players, while others are not available for selection this week, so it was important to select a team with some continuity from last week, while bringing in players we believe will be the right fit for what we are expecting from Scotland.”
“They had a good Six Nations campaign, and they come off a victory against Argentina away, so they will be psyched up going into this match.”
Erasmus added: “All of the players have been working extremely hard at training, and they are fully aware of the threat Scotland poses. Many of these combinations have played together for the Springboks and for their provincial teams this season.”
“Many of the players will also be playing at their home ground at Loftus Versfeld, so they know the field and conditions well.”
Springbok team to face Scotland in Pretoria:15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (captain), 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Boan Venter.
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zach Porthen, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Elrigh Louw, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Quan Horn.