Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has refused the temptation to make wholesale changes to his team for Saturday’s Test against Scotland at Murrayfield at 7.20 pm.
The Bok starting XV shows only four injury-enforced changes to the side that beat France 29-26 last weekend.
At No.9, Embrose Papier comes in for Faf de Klerk who is unavailable for this Test in the only change to the backline.
No.8 Duane Vermeulen takes the place of the injured Warren Whiteley and will be joined the in the back row by Pieter-Steph du Toit, who moves from lock to take the former’s place at the side of the scrum.
Taking Du Toit’s place in the middle of the scrum is RG Snyman - in for Eben Etzebeth.
BACKROW: Duane Vermeulen. Photo: CHRIS RICCO/BACKPAGEPIX
This comes in a week when expectations were perhaps that the Bok boss would give more of his fringe players a run.
After his heroics in Paris, Bongi Mbonambi has again been kept on the bench for Malcolm Marx, who has not been at his best in Europe.
Captain Siya Kolisi was another player that was perhaps expected to rest this week, especially with the Boks in desperate need of a specialist fetcher at the breakdown.
BACKROW: Springbok loosies Siya Kolisi. Photo: PHANDO JIKELO/INLSA
Erasmus, though, doesn’t want to go down to old foe and Scotland coach Gregor Townsend and says he expects a tough tussle against the Scots.
He explains: “Scotland is a well-coached side, they are difficult to break down and they will present us with a very tough challenge.
“The matches in the northern hemisphere are all closely-fought encounters, with the set-piece battle key, and it’s important to grab the big moments and finish your opportunities.”
He adds of the changes: “Moving Duane [Vermeulen] and Pieter-Steph around in the pack isn’t disrupting at all, as both of them are very experienced and have played for us in these positions...”