No 8 Duane Vermeulen returns to the starting XV for the Springboks with tighthead prop Frans Malherbe set to earn his 50th Test cap in the Rugby Championship clash with the All Blacks on Saturday.
Vermeulen takes over from Jasper Wiese, while hooker Bongi Mbonambi slots back in for Malcolm Marx, and Ox Nche replaces Trevor Nyakane at loosehead prop in three rotational changes in the forwards.
Jaden Hendrikse comes in for injured scrumhalf Faf de Klerk while Jesse Kriel will start at right wing for Kurt-Lee Arendse in the only changes in the backline.
Vermeulen’s inclusion has Wiese dropping to the bench, while Herschel Jantjies fills the void left by Hendrikse’s promotion to the run-on team for the Ellis Park Test.
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“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 Jacques Nienaber.
“Ox has also shown his ability to make his presence felt in the front row, so he is back in the mix.
“Duane has a massive presence on the field and there is no bigger game for him to make his comeback from injury than facing the All Blacks.
“He is an enforcer on attack and defence and we know he will give everything against a physical All Blacks team that are desperate to bounce back strongly from a challenging run of results.
“Jasper is also a warrior, and we know that he will have an equally strong presence when he takes the field.”
He added: “Jesse has played over 50 Tests, and he has been waiting in the wings for his chance. He’s played wing for us before, so we know what he can bring to the game, and we are also excited to welcome back Herschel, who has played an immense role to help prepare the playing squad for the last two Tests.”
Springboks – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Jesse Kriel, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Jasper Wiese, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Willie le Roux.
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Photo: Mark Lewis/Huw Evans/Shutterstock/BackpagePix
