South Africa announce team for third test – Rugby News Update
Heyneke Meyer, the head coach of South Africa, has announced his squad for the third and final test against England.
England are currently touring the southern hemisphere country for a three-match series, and they have already lost the first two games, but after their midweek win against the South African Barbarians (North), they will be confident going into the last fixture.
However, Meyer has made three changes to the team that defeated the visitors last week at Johannesburg, and he will be hoping that his team can take the series 3 – 0.
Flanker Jaques Potgieter will make his debut, and will replace Willem Alberts, who injured himself at Ellis Park. Pat Lambie will make way for Gio Aplon, as he is set to take the fullback position. The final change sees Francois Steyn miss out due to his
wedding next week, and Wynand Olivier, who is set to start at the inside-centre, will replace him.
Jean De Villiers, the mercurial captain will lead the team again, and Meyer’s has given him a confidence boast ahead of the match by saying that he will lead the side for the whole of 2012.
Meyer said, "Jean had established himself as a brilliant leader and ambassador for the Springboks and South African rugby in the last two weeks," Meyer said. "He leads the team with distinction on and off the field and gained respect, not just from his team
mates and the management team, but also from the media, public, sponsors and other stake holders.”
"We have built up an awesome working relationship based on trust, integrity and loyalty, which is why I decided to make him the captain for the rest of the year."
England will play for pride and South Africa will want to finish with aplomb.
South Africa:
G Aplon (Stormers); JP Pietersen (Sharks), J de Villiers (Stormers), W Olivier (Bulls), B Habana (Stormers); M Steyn (Bulls), F Hougaard (Bulls); T Mtawarira (Sharks), B du Plessis (Sharks), J du Plessis (Sharks), E Etzebeth (Stormers), J Kruger (Bulls),
M Coetzee (Sharks), J Potgieter (Bulls), P Spies (Bulls)
Replacements: A Strauss (Cheetahs), W Kruger (Bulls), F van der Merwe (Bulls), R Kankowski (Sharks), R Pienaar (Ulster), E Jantjies (Lions), B Basson (Bulls)
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