Former Tygerberg High duo Marvin Orie and Eben Etzebeth will get to realise a lifelong dream to pair up in the second row for the Springboks.
Orie was called into the starting XV for only the second time in his career, with Lood de Jager (concussion) ruled out for Saturday’s rematch against Australia.
The Wallabies beat South Africa 28-26 in their Rugby Championship clash last Sunday, with Bok coach Jacques Nienaber making two changes to his side – one forced with De Jager out injured and the other one seeing Trevor Nyakane coming in for loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff.
The inclusion of Orie, 28, sees the reunion of a partnership formed at school level between him and Etzebeth, 29.
Before making his run-on debut against Argentina earlier this year, Orie spoke about how he and Etzebeth dreamt of playing together in the Bok jumper, saying: “Since our school days we always said we hope to one day play together...”
Of what Orie will bring differently to De Jager, coach Nienaber says: “Marvin [Orie] is an experienced lock, he played with Eben [Etzebeth] from school level.
“We are looking forward to see what he can bring to the party.”
Meanwhile, wing Cheslin Kolbe has not yet recovered from his leg injury in time to return to the world champions’ backline after also being ruled out for last week’s match.
Springboks: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Trevor Nyakane. Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Marco van Staden, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Jasper Wiese, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Damian Willemse.