South Africa make two changes for Ireland

Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee has named a team with two changes for South Africa’s third and deciding Test match against Ireland in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Both teams have won one Test match each and whoever wins the third Test will win the series.

Coetzee has named Warren Whiteley (No 8) and Ruan Combrinck (wing) after they impressed last week when they came off the replacements bench.

The inclusion of Whiteley and Combrinck are the only two changes to the starting side that played last week but there are three changes to the replacements bench.

Whiteley replaces the experienced Duane Vermeulen, who is out with an elbow injury, while Combrinck, man of the match in last week’s win over the Irish in Johannesburg, gets the starting nod over Lwazi Mvovo, who is now on the bench.

An ankle injury has ruled out prop Trevor Nyakane, and his place amongst the reserves is filled by the uncapped Steven Kitshoff. He is joined on the bench by another uncapped player, Jaco Kriel, who comes into the match day squad for the first time during the series.

Adriaan Strauss will lead the Boks for the third time on Saturday, with the hooker looking to lead the South Africans to a series win over Ireland.

The Springboks have been hard at work this week to prepare themselves for what promises to be another intriguing battle between the two sides. Coetzee said the Boks are looking forward to playing the Irish in PE.

“It will be another huge battle between the sides on Saturday, ” said Coetzee.

“Both sides have suffered injuries before and during the series, but that it is part of the game and it again provides opportunities for others to come in and stake their claim.

“Jaco has been close to selection every time and he now gets his chance in the match day squad. Steven has worked extremely hard since we got together as a team and he also has an opportunity to show his promise should he take to the field.

“We know what is at stake on Saturday – it’s a matter of winner takes all scenario. This group of players will continue to grow together as a team and Saturday they have the opportunity to gain more experience by playing together. ”

South Africa

15. Willie le Roux, 14. Ruan Combrinck , 13. Lionel Mapoe, 12. Damian De Allende , 11. JP Pietersen , 10. Elton Jantjies, 9. Faf de Klerk, 8. Warren Whiteley, 7. Siya Kolisi, 6. Francois Louw , 5. Pieter-Steph du Toit , 4. Eben Etzebeth , 3. Frans Malherbe , 2. Adriaan Strauss (captain) , 1. Tendai Mtawarira

Replacements: 16. Bongi Mbonambi , 17. Steven Kitshoff , 18. Julian Redelinghuys , 19. Franco Mostert , 20. Jaco Kriel , 21. Rudy Paige , 22. Morne Steyn , 23. Lwazi Mvovo ,