Bloemfontein – A first Test start for Dillyn Leyds and Francois Louw’s inclusion in the back row are two of the four changes to the Springbok squad to face the Wallabies in Saturday’s important Castle Lager Rugby Championship match in Bloemfontein.
The experienced flanker is set to earn his 53rd Test cap for the Springboks at the Toyota Stadium, while Leyds will make his fourth appearance and first start on the wing in place of Raymond Rhule.
Scrumhalf Ross Cronje is over his illness that forced him to withdraw from the New Zealand Test in Albany, while hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle has been included in the match 23 for the first time since the home Test against Italy in June 2013.
The experienced Cell C Sharks hooker got the nod over Bongi Mbonambi, who played off the bench in the previous seven Test this year.
According to Coetzee, the inclusion of the seasoned Louw will be valuable to the team.
“Francois showed this week that he is in a great condition and he brings a lot of experience to the team,” said Coetzee.
“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.”
On Leyds’ inclusion, Coetzee said: “It’s now the right time to give Dillyn a starting opportunity as I know what I have in Raymond.
“Dillyn has played consistently well in the Currie Cup and deserves a chance. Raymond stays part of our plan and will join up with the squad next week in Cape Town again.”
Cronje takes over the scrumhalf duties from Francois Hougaard, who started against New Zealand, while Rudy Paige will provide No 9 cover off the bench.
“It is great to resume the continuity between Ross and Elton Jantjies as a halfback combination. All three of our scrumhalves looked sharp during training this week,” said Coetzee.
The Springbok coach said he is expecting his team to deliver a vastly improved performance against Australia this weekend.
“Our preparations have gone well this week and the players are excited and eager to improve on our previous performance,” said Coetzee.
“The Wallabies are a good side with many dangerous and classy players across the board. And they would have gained a lot of confidence from their previous outings.”
The Springbok team to face Australia in Bloemfontein reads:
15. Andries Coetzee (fullback), Emirates Lions – 7 caps, 0 points
14. Dillyn Leyds (wing), DHL Stormers – 3 caps, 0 points
13. Jesse Kriel (centre), Vodacom Bulls – 23 caps, 30 points (6 tries)
12. Jan Serfontein (centre), Vodacom Bulls – 33 caps, 20 points (4 tries)
11. Courtnall Skosan (wing), Emirates Lions – 7 caps, 5 points (1 try)
10. Elton Jantjies (flyhalf), Emirates Lions / NTT Shining Arcs (Japan) – 18 caps, 179 points (2 tries, 32 conversions, 35 penalties)
9. Ross Cronje (scrumhalf) Emirates Lions – 4 caps, 5 points (1 try)
8. Uzair Cassiem (flank), Toyota Cheetahs – 5 caps, 5 points (1 try)
7. Francois Louw (flank), Bath (England) – 52 caps, 40 points (8 tries)
6. Siya Kolisi (flank), DHL Stormers – 23 caps, 20 points (4 tries)
5. Franco Mostert (lock), Emirates Lions / Ricoh Black Rams (Japan) – 13 caps, 0 points
4. Eben Etzebeth (lock, captain), DHL Stormers – 61 caps, 15 points (3 tries)
3. Ruan Dreyer (prop), Emirates Lions – 2 caps, 0 points
2. Malcolm Marx (hooker), Emirates Lions – 9 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
1. Tendai Mtawarira (prop), Cell C Sharks – 94 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
Replacements
16. Chiliboy Ralepelle (hooker), Cell C Sharks – 22 caps, 5 points (1 try)
17. Steven Kitshoff (prop), DHL Stormers – 17 caps, 0 points
18. Trevor Nyakane (prop), Vodacom Bulls – 32 caps, 5 points (1 try)
19. Pieter-Steph du Toit (lock), DHL Stormers – 27 caps, 20 points (4 tries)
20. Jean-Luc du Preez (loose forward), Cell C Sharks – 8 caps, 5 points (1 try)
21. Rudy Paige (scrumhalf), Vodacom Bulls – 10 caps, 5 points (1 try)
22. Handré Pollard (flyhalf) Vodacom Bulls – 21 caps, 188 points (2 tries, 29 conversions, 37 penalties, 3 drop goals)
23. Damian de Allende (centre), DHL Stormers – 25 caps, 15 points (3 tries)