The Springboks have selected their team for the first test against England in Durban this Saturday. Coach Heyneke Meyer has surprised a few by starting with Zane Kirchner at fullback, while the always reliable Patrick Lambie is on the bench.
Francois Steyn returns from France to boost the midfield, taking up partnership with new captain, Jean De Villiers. Ruan Pienaar returns from Ulster, where he has been playing great rugby.
There is a new second row partnership in young Eben Etzebeth and experienced Juandre Kurger, while in form Sharks loose forward Marcell Coetzee will also get his first cap. Keegan Daniel’s good form and ball playing ability has earned him another Springbok call up.
Springboks: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jean de Villiers (c), 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Juandré Kruger, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Beast Mtawarira.
Reserves: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Keegan Daniel, 20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Pat Lambie, 22 Wynand Olivier.
Kick of: 17:00 local time, Durban
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