Ruan Combrinck, from Alberton, who made his versatile appearance from the bench in the second test against the Irish, has been included in the starting line-up for the Springboks, tomorrow (Saturday, June 25).
The third and last test between the Springboks and Ireland will take place in Port Elizabeth.
Head coach of the Springboks, Allister Coetzee has made a few changes to his side, including Combrinck making his first start for the Boks.
He made a great impact last Saturday, at Emirates Airlines Park, when he was brought on after half time, leading to a revival in the Springbok camp, who captured the match 32-26 against the Irish side. This earned him the Man of the Match accolade
Team mate Warren Whiteley (No 8) will also make his first start for the Springboks in the deciding third test.
The inclusions of these two players are the only changes to the starting team announced by coach Coetzee for the third Castle Lager Incoming Series Test against the Irish, in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Coetzee also made three changes to the bench, with Whiteley replacing the experienced Duane Vermeulen, who is out with an elbow injury, while Combrinck, gets the starting nod over Lwazi Mvovo, who is now on the bench. The uncapped Jaco Kriel, who comes into the match day squad for the first time during the series, will replace Whiteley on the bench.
An ankle injury has ruled out prop Trevor Nyakane, and his place amongst the reserves is filled by the uncapped Steven Kitshoff.
Hooker Adriaan Strauss will lead the Boks for the third time tomorrow, with the hooker looking to take the South Africans to a series win over Ireland. The series is currently tied 1-1 after Ireland’s opening win in Cape Town and the Springboks’ victory last week, on the Highveld.
“It will be another huge battle between the sides,” said Coetzee.
“Both sides have suffered injuries before and during the series, but that is part of the game and it again provides opportunities for others to come in and stake their claim.
“Jaco has been close to selection every time and he now gets his chance in the match day squad.
”Steven has worked extremely hard since we got together as a team and he also has an opportunity to show his promise should he take to the field.
“We know what is at stake tomorrow – it’s a matter of a ‘winner takes all’ scenario. This group of players will continue to grow together as a team and now they have the opportunity to gain more experience by playing together.”
