Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has changed all but two of his starting XV for his side’s clash with Namibia this Saturday.
Following the Boks’ 23-13 defeat at the hands of the All Blacks last weekend Erasmus has decided to switch things up with only winger Makazole Mapimpi and centre Lukhanyo Am remaining in the starting line-up.
That means that there is an entirely new pack starting with a front-three of Tendai Mtawarira, Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch, while RG Snyman and Lood de Jager come into the engine-room behind them.
It is an experienced and tough looking back-row with Francois Louw at blindside flanker, Kwagga Smith at openside and Schalk Brits captaining the side from No 8.
The exciting Herschel Jantjies has been handed the scrum-half jersey and has Elton Janjies alongside him in the half-backs, with Frans Steyn opening the game at inside-centre and Am at outside-centre once more.
Mapimpi takes his spot on the left-wing, with Sbu Nkosi on the right and Warrick Gelant completes the first team from full-back.
On the bench there is an interesting selection as only two front-rowers are picked in Steven Kitshoff and Thomas du Toit, while the attacking prowess of Cheslin Kolbe is also among the replacements.
The South Africans will be hoping to bounce back from their opening round loss when they play Namibia on Saturday while the minnows will be looking to cause an upset to a team many believe are capable of winning the tournament.
Check Out the Full 23-Man Squad Below.
Starting XV:
15. Warrick Gelant
14. Sbu Nkosi
13. Lukhanyo Am
12. Frans Steyn
11. Makazole Mapimpi
10. Elton Jantjies
9. Herschel Jantjies
8. Schalk Brits (captain)
7. Kwagga Smith
6. Francois Louw
5. Lood de Jager
4. RG Snyman
3. Vincent Koch
2. Bongi Mbonambi
1. Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements:
16. Steven Kitshoff
17. Thomas du Toit
18. Eben Etzebeth
19. Siya Kolisi
20. Franco Mostert
21. Cobus Reinach
22. Damian de Allende
23. Cheslin Kolbe
