Next up for the Springboks is a date with Italy in Padova on Saturday.
Here rugby writer Jacques van der Westhuyzen
picks five men he believes will strengthen the side…
1 The only time Steven Kitshoff has started for the Boks is when Tendai Mtawarira wasn’t available for personal reasons. It’s time Kitshoff got a start again, and Italy would be the perfect place to unleash his frustration.
2 And while Lood de Jager was full of fire and aggression against France, I believe Franco Mostert should get another look-in. He’s a player who thrives in the starting role and doesn’t tire for as long as he’s on the field.
3 Italy is also the ideal opponent – not that I’m suggesting they’re easybeats – to give Rudy Paige an opportunity at scrumhalf. Ross Cronjé was better against France, but Paige brings a zesty vibrancy to the No 9 jersey.
4 Jesse Kriel’s time is up – for now. He has been given enough chances to stamp his authority on the No 13 jersey, but has failed to fire. His weak defence was exposed by France, so why not bring in Lukhanyo Am, please.
5 This is also a wonderful opportunity to hand Warrick Gelant a debut. He’s the only out-and-out man with X-factor in the team, and a player with real vision, so Allister Coetzee must bring him in at fullback or on the wing.
@jacq_west