Rugby
Steyn to start at flyhalf in Durban─── MORGAN PIEK 11:59 Tue, 20 Sep 2022
The Springboks have made two changes to their starting XV for Saturday's crucial Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in Durban.
The Toyota Cheetahs centre and two-time World Cup winner, Frans Steyn, will start at flyhalf for the clash in place of Damian Willemse.
Willemse sustained a concussion on Saturday during the Springboks' 36-20 victory over the Pumas in Buenos Aires.
The other change is at flank with Pieter-Steph du Toit being named on the run-on side at the expense of Franco Mostert.
Mostert has been named on the bench along with Duane Vermeulen, Bongi Mbonambi, Vincent Koch and Kurt-Lee Arendse.
Arendse returns from suspension following the win over the All Blacks in Nelspruit in August.
The Springbok coach, Jacques Nienaber, said with only two changes to their starting team, it gives them some continuity heading into the vital Test.
“That made it easy for us to opt for continuity in selection in the starting line-up. Obviously, the one change was injury-enforced as Damian Willemse has been ruled out due to a concussion, and we were pleased with the calmness Frans Steyn brought at flyhalf when Damian left the field.
“The energy and enthusiasm Pieter-Steph has been showing at training has also been great, and we know what he is capable of in this loose trio, so I am sure he will make an impact among the loose forwards.”
Saturday's all-important Test between the Springboks and Pumas at Kings' Park kicks off at 17:10.
Springboks - 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Frans Steyn, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements - 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Ox Nché, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Duane Vermeulen, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Kurt-Lee Arendse.
Argentina - TBA
