CAPE TOWN – Elton Jantjies will have a chance to stake his claim for a place in the Springbok World Cup squad after being named in the starting line-up for Saturday’s third Test against England at Newlands.
Bok coach Rassie Erasmus made several changes to the team that clinched the series with a 23-12 victory in Bloemfontein last week. Apart from Jantjies coming in for Handré Pollard at No 10, Chiliboy Ralepelle has been handed another opportunity at hooker, having also worn the No 2 jersey against Wales in Washington, and he will be backed up by Schalk Brits.
There are three other new faces in the backline with Jantjies, with Warrick Gelant getting a chance at fullback, while there is a new centre combination in André Esterhuizen and Jesse Kriel. An exciting addition to the bench sees youngster Embrose Papier as the reserve scrumhalf.
Stormers prop Steven Kitshoff will also look to build on his impressive impact off the bench, although Tendai Mtawarira retains his No 1 jersey.
“The series might be won but we still have an important Test match on Saturday, against a very determined English side who will be looking to end the series on a high,” Erasmus said.
“I expect a very physical and close-fought game. We are desperate to win and make it 3-0 while England will be desperate to win the game, make it 2-1 and finish their tour on a positive note.”
Rassie Erasmus has picked Warrick Gelant at fullback, Jesse Kriel and Andre Esterhuizen in midfield, Elton Jantjies at flyhalf and Chiliboy Ralepelle at hooker to face @EnglandRugby at DHL Newlands on Saturday (kick off at 17h05). #LoveRugby pic.twitter.com/5o81OxJiQN
— South African Rugby (@Springboks) June 21, 2018
Springbok team:
15 Warrick Gelant 14 Sbu Nkosi 13 Jesse Kriel 12 André Esterhuizen 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi 10 Elton Jantjies 9 Faf de Klerk 8 Duane Vermeulen 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit 6 Siya Kolisi (captain) 5 Franco Mostert 4 RG Snyman 3 Frans Malherbe 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Bench: 16 Schalk Brits 17 Steven Kitshoff 18 Thomas du Toit 19 Jean-Luc du Preez 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe 21 Embrose Papier 22 Handré Pollard 23 Willie le Roux.
@ashfakmohamed