Meyer makes two changes for Nelspruit test
Flip van der Merwe and Beast back in starting line-up.
Springbok head coach Heyneke Meyer has made two changes for Saturday’s clash against Wales in Nelspruit on Saturday.
Meyer resisted making wholesale changes to the side that beat the Dragons 38-16 in Durban despite admitting that the players are struggling with fatigue.
Flip van der Merwe has been restored to the second row in place of Bakkies Botha, who has an Achilles injury, while loosehead prop Tendai Mtawarira replaces Gurthrö Steenkamp who falls to the bench.
Meyer was also forced into a change among the substitutes; Johan Goosen who has been plagued with injuries throughout his career, hasn’t recovered from a knee injury he suffered last weekend and his place goes to Wynand Olivier.
“This is going to sound strange, but the guys don’t want a break,” said Meyer.
“Every Test match is important for them. At the end of the day guys need to play for their country. Next week [against Scotland] there will be changes.
“This is the most tired I’ve seen players at this stage in the season. At the end of last year the players were really stuffed, but this is the most tired I’ve ever seen them. The plan was to rotate only a few players because you always want continuity.”
