Springbok coach Peter de Villiers made 10 changes to the starting XV for the third Test of the Castle South Africa 2009 Lions Series against the British & Irish Lions at Coca-Cola Park in Johannesburg.
De Villiers included only one uncapped player in the starting team when he named Vodacom Blue Bulls player Zane Kirchner at fullback.
Morné Steyn and Chiliboy Ralepelle will both make their first starts for the Springboks at flyhalf and hooker respectively, while the other newcomers to the starting line-up are Johann Muller, Heinrich Brüssow, Ryan Kankowski, Wynand Olivier, Jaque Fourie, Jongi Nokwe and Odwa Ndungane.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to play against the Lions and we respect them so much, that we wanted to give all our players a chance to take them on,” said De Villiers.
“We believe they are as good as the other guys and that they can go out and do an outstanding job for the Springboks. They will also bring fresh energy to the team after two tough Tests and hopefully give us the quick ball to our backs, because we have shown we are capable of scoring tries from first phase.”
Uncapped Sharks lock Steven Sykes has been included on the bench for the test. This follows the unsuccessful appeal on Thursday morning by Springbok lock Bakkies Botha for a two-week suspension for dangerous charging.
Sharks captain Johann Muller has been included in the starting team in Botha’s place for his first Test start since the end of the 2007 season.
Bismarck du Plessis, Pierre Spies, Ruan Pienaar and Frans Steyn all drop down to the bench, which also includes Gurthrö Steenkamp, who comes back onto the bench after missing the second Test. Deon Carstens retains his place amongst the reserves.
“This is a very strong side. At the end of the Vodacom Super 14 I wanted to have 28 players who could play for the Springboks at any time and I think we’ve achieved that goal. I’m very happy with this selection,” said De Villiers.
The Springbok team for the third Test against the British & Irish Lions is (Test caps in brackets):
15. Zane Kirchner (uncapped)
14. Odwa Ndungane (3)
13. Jaque Fourie (44)
12. Wynand Olivier (21)
11. Jongi Nokwe (3)
10. Morné Steyn (2)
9. Fourie du Preez (45)
8. Ryan Kankowski (7)
7. Juan Smith (56)
6. Heinrich Brüssow (3)
5. Victor Matfield (82)
4. Johann Muller (22)
3. John Smit (83) – captain
2. Chiliboy Ralepelle (3)
1. Tendai Mtawarira (12)
Replacements:
16. Bismarck du Plessis (23)
17. Gurthrö Steenkamp (21)
18. Deon Carstens (8)
19. Steven Sykes (uncapped)
20. Pierre Spies (21)
21. Ruan Pienaar (29)
22. Frans Steyn (29)