Coetzee rings changes for pending Azzurri dogfight
SEVERAL Springbok players made their way to nearby Venice on their day off on Wednesday and it would not have been lost on them how the enchanting city is struggling to remain above water.
It is a sight with which they are familiar. Their coach Allister Coetzee has been trying to keep his head above water for much of the last year and it is not difficult to see why the coach believes his buoyancy is inextricably linked to assembly of his best available team.
The prevailing tide dictates that he pushes his best available resources into battle against Italy tomorrow but he has also been forced into two significant amendments.
Hooker Malcolm Marx who has started every Test this year injured his shoulder against France last weekend and had been on the doubtful list all week. He doesn’t feature in the match 23 as Bongi Mbonambi makes a maiden start.
On the side of the scrum Pieter-Steph du Toit’s return had been widely anticipated and he will fill the void left by Siya Kolisi who travelled home on paternity leave.
Marx’s absence is a huge setback for the Boks.
Coetzee is expecting a dogfight in damp conditions, an activity Marx would have approached with relish.
He has set himself apart in that position, to the point that the next in line, Mbonambi has had little game time. Before this tour Mbonambi had collected just 93 minutes over the last year.
“Bongi deserves start. He’s played well in the Currie Cup, especially in the semis and in the final.
“I rate Bongi highly as a player. Given the opportunity I know he’ll take it.
“Bongi comes with his own strengths. His defensive ability is unbelievably good. He has to make sure we have an accurate, functioning line-out. He’s a great scrummager, no doubt about that,” said the coach.
Chiliboy Ralepelle will also get a chance to emerge from the shadows. The third choice hooker at the Sharks, Ralepelle may also be short of a gallop. “He had a great Super Rugby campaign. His experience is invaluable. He comes with a wealth of experience as a set piece hooker,” Coetzee said.
Also on the bench is Warrick Gelant and there is every chance the Bulls dynamo will make his debut tomorrow.
“He is really a phenomenally attack minded player. He’s got great footwork.”
Coetzee will be relieved that captain Eben Etzebeth has come through this week without suffering further mischief to the lower leg injury he suffered against France. He was carefully managed this week.
Springboks to play Italy: Andries Coetzee, Dillyn Leyds, Jesse Kriel, Francois Venter, Courtnall Skosan, Handre Pollard, Ross Cronje, Duane Vermeulen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Francois Louw, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth (captain), Wilco Louw, Bongi Mbonambi, Tendai Mtawarira.
Substitutes: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Steven Kitshoff, Trevor Nyakane, Franco Mostert, Dan du Preez, Rudy Paige, Elton Jantjies, Warrick Gelant