Springboks: Wise ‘Flo’ to the rescue

A few weeks ago, the 32-year-old Francois Louw was probably looking forward to a relatively chilled English Premiership campaign with Bath.

Now the veteran flank is tasked with helping the Springboks salvaging their Rugby Championship campaign.

After being called up as Jaco Kriel’s replacement last week, Louw was duly selected in the starting XV for the weekend’s meeting with the Wallabies in Bloemfontein.

Despite being known as an openside flank, he’ll play in the No 7 jersey.

Coach Allister Coetzee sees no problem with that arrangement.

“Francois showed this week that he is in a great condition and he brings a lot of experience to the team,” he said.

“I believe his strength is playing towards the ball, and he is renowned for making good decisions at the defensive breakdown. As a result Jean-Luc moves back to the bench, from where he can make a telling impact.”

The other changes were also predictable with Dillyn Leyds coming in for Raymond Rhule and Ross Cronje returning to the No 5 jersey.

Springboks: Andries Coetzee, Dillyn Leyds, Jesse Kriel, Jan Serfontein, Courtnall Skosan, Elton Jantjies, Ross Cronje, Uzair Cassiem, Francois Louw, Siya Kolisi, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Ruan Dreyer, Malcolm Marx, Beast Mtawarira. Bench: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Steven Kitshoff, Trevor Nyakane, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Rudy Paige, Handre Pollard, Damian de Allende.