Rassie rings changes for second Wallabies Test

Springbok coach, Rassie Erasmus, has made 10 changes to his starting 15 for the second Rugby Championship match against Australia in Cape Town on Saturday, with Jesse Kriel leading the side for the second time in a Test in the absence of the injured Siya Kolisi.

The new-look team will see return of back-to-back Rugby World Cup winners, Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, and Willie le Roux.

Only five players in the starting-15 retained their places from the world champions’ 38-22 defeat to the Wallabies in Johannesburg last week, namely Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, Marco van Staden, Grant Williams, and Kriel.

Erasmus attributed the changes to injuries and strategic adjustments for the forthcoming challenge.

“We lost four players to injury last weekend, which obviously had an impact on a few of our selections, but we also know where we went wrong against Australia last week, so we made a few changes that we believe will offer us what we need for this game,” said Erasmus.

“Damian and Cheslin have also recovered from their injuries, and with their experience and knowledge of the Wallabies, it was a logical choice to recall them,” he added.

Springbok team to face Australia in Cape Town:

15 Willie le Roux
14 Canan Moodie
13 Jesse Kriel (captain)
12 Damian de Allende
11 Cheslin Kolbe
10 Handre Pollard
9 Grant Williams

8 Jean-Luc du Preez
7 Franco Mostert
6 Marco van Staden
5 Ruan Nortje
4 RG Snyman
3 Thomas du Toit
2 Malcolm Marx
1 Ox Nche

Replacements:

16 Marnus van der Merwe
17 Boan Venter
18 Wilco Louw
19 Eben Etzebeth
20 Lood de Jager
21 Kwagga Smith
22 Cobus Reinach
23 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu