Continuity key for Boks

The Springboks have fallen back on the tried and trusted with tighthead Ruan Dreyer falling to the selection axe for tomorrow’s Ireland Test in Dublin.

Bok coach Allister Coetzee yesterday named the returning Coenie Oosthuizen at tighthead who missed the Boks’ last three Tests with a broken arm as Dreyer was cut from the match-23 altogether.

Naming three changes, loosehead Beast Mtawarira also returns for his 96th Test with Steven Kitshoff reverting to the bench while inside centre Damian de Allende earns his first start of the year with Jan Serfontein not available due to club duties.

Coetzee also said with the unfortunate broken ankle suffered by flanker Jean-Luc du Preez it made sense to keep the loose trio of the Newlands Test intact.

“Continuity is important and we have kept changes to a minimum, with Jean-Luc injured and Jan not available,” said Coetzee.

“I am really excited to see Damian getting an opportunity on Saturday as he has worked very hard and looked good in training,” said Coetzee.

At flyhalf however it is surprising that Elton Jantjies was retained ahead of Handre Pollard after the signals Coetzee sent out earlier this week, but serious questions have to be asked about the lack of game time of both Oosthuizen and De Allende.

A massive high-five should however be given to Coetzee for naming muscle-man Wilco Louw on the bench as the backup tighthead even though Dreyer and Trevor Nyakane should be feeling distraught.

While midfield newcomer Lukhanyo Am is unlucky not to get his first taste of Test match rugby, De Allende’s experience of 27 Tests probably forced Coetzee’s hand.

On the bench the names centre Francois Venter and loose forward Uzair Cassiem have been added, with Bongi Mbonambi taking over as the replacement hooker from Chiliboy Ralepelle.