South Africa have changed a third of their starting team for this Saturday’s second match up against New Zealand, as they look to maintain their 100% record in The Rugby Championship.
The Springboks outclassed the struggling All Blacks last Saturday, and will be overwhelming favourites to win only their second title since 2009 if they are victorious again here.
The changes are all over the park, as Ox Nche and Bongi Mbonambi replace Trevor Nyakane and Malcom Marx at looshead prop and hooker respectively, with Franks Malherbe the only front-rower retained at tighthead, as he earns his 50th cap.
Elsehwere Duane Vermuelen comes in for Jasper Wiese, despite the latter impressing in the number eight shirt last week, while Jaden Henrikse replaces Faf de Klerk at nine.
And in the outside backs, Jesse Kriel earns a spot on the right-wing, taking the spot of Kurt-Lee Arendese, who won’t be on the bench after his horrendous challenge on Beauden Barrett saw him sent off towards the end of the last game.
Boss Jacques Nienaber was happy with the changes he had made, but predicted a fiery response from an All Blacks team with their backs against the wall, having lost five of their last six games.
“We made a few changes to the team, but Duane, Jesse and Herschel are all experienced players who know our systems well and have been stalwarts for the Boks,” said Nienaber.
“New Zealand are similar to the Springboks in the sense that they do not give up.
“They fought until the end against us at the Mbombela Stadium last week and we expect nothing less from them on Saturday.
“They have quality players within their ranks and given the rich history between the sides in Johannesburg and their desperation to turn things around after a few disappointing results, we know we are in for a massive challenge this weekend.
“Our focus, however, is on improving our game and ensuring that we build on our form from last week. We had an honest assessment of our performance last week, and while there were several positives, there are areas that we need to make a step-up in, and it will be vital to get that right before we travel to Australia and Argentina for the away leg of the tournament, so this is a vital match for us.”
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