Tighthead prop Wilco Louw will play his first Test since 2021 in a Springbok starting XV which shows 12 changes against England at Twickenham on Saturday.
Only lock Eben Etzebeth, loosehead prop Ox Nche and hooker Bongi Mbonambi retain their starting berths from last week’s victory over Scotland in Edinburgh.
The Bok match-day 23 includes a whole new backline and eight personnel changes in total as Rassie Erasmus takes steps to negotiate a six-day preparation week.
The selection continues the form of the season with Erasmus averaging eight changes per Test in the 11 selections he has made since the opening Test against Wales at the same venue in June.
Louw returned to the Bok set-up as a late injury call-up for the tour, after playing the last of his 14 Tests behind closed doors against Argentina in Port Elizabeth three years ago.
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The inclusion of the Vodacom Bulls prop is one of five changes in the pack with lock RG Snyman and loose forwards Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese brought into the starting XV.
Behind them is a whole new backline with six players recalled, and scrumhalf Grant Williams promoted from the bench.
Returning to the backline are wingers Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, centres Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel, fullback Aphelele Fassi and flyhalf Manie Libbok, who were rested as part of his rotation system last week.
However, the squad includes 15 players who battled it out against the hosts in the Rugby World Cup semi-final in France last year.
In the 5-3 bench, scrumhalf Cobus Reinach is also recalled in partnership with Handre Pollard and Lukhanyo Am as backline cover, along with forwards Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp and Vincent Koch, while Elrigh Louw and Kwagga Smith, will provide an impact as the replacements.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post Wilco starts as Boks recall big guns appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
