South Africa have named a much-changed side from the one that beat Scotland last weekend, ringing 12 changes and switching up the bench for the clash against England at Twickenham on Saturday.
Against Scotland, Rassie Erasmus employed a 7-1 bench split, but this time the coach has gone for a 5-3 split, with Handre Pollard and Lukhanyo Am amongst backs and utility back Grant Williams moving from the bench last week to start at scrum-half.
With Pollard on the bench, it brings Manie Libbok back into the fold and he will start at fly-half.
Siya Kolisi will lead the side as captain after running on as a replacement last week, adding bulk and experience to the powerful pack that also includes Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, and a returning Wilco Louw, who last played a Test three years ago.
“The turnaround between the Scotland and England Tests is short, so we had to be smart in our selection to enable us to field a fresh squad with only six days between two tough Test matches,” said Erasmus.
“It obviously has a knock-on in effect in the sense that we’ve made 12 changes to the starting lineup, but we have been rotating our squad all season.
“Over and above that most of these players know each other really well having played together for the last few seasons, as well as in the Rugby World Cup, the Castle Lager Incoming Series, and the Rugby Championship, so we are pleased with the quality of the team we’ve been able to name.”
South Africa XV:
Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Manie Libbok, Grant Williams, Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, RG Snyman, Eben Etzebeth, Wilco Louw, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche,
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Handre Pollard, Lukhanyo Am.
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