Gelant finally makes the cut
BOK COACH: MAKES FIVE CHANGES IN POSSIBLE LAST THROW OF THE DICE Coetzee excited by what Gelant brings to the table, sees Du Preez as a perfect fit.
In what could be potentially his last Test match in charge, coach Allister Coetzee eventually started to think out of the box but it might have come a bit too little too late for him.
Coetzee yesterday named five changes for the final Test tomorrow in Cardiff against Wales with the selection of fullback Warrick Gelant at leftwing the most significant, with Courtnall Skosan be- ing dropped after 12 consecutive matches.
While Coetzee didn’t want to dwell on Skosan’s uncertainties under the high ball and hesitance on defence, he rather wanted to focus on what a great prospect Gelant is.
“Warrick is an elusive runner, he used his opportunity last week (against Italy) and I am looking forward to see him getting a start on Saturday,” said Coetzee.
After making his debut from the bench last week against Italy, it’s a first start for both Gelant and No 8 Dan du Preez who also debuted from the bench against Italy and is a twin-brother of the injured Bok flank Jean-Luc.
“Dan gets the chance to start and he fits into the plan for Saturday,” said Coetzee.
Du Preez replaces the experienced Duane Vermeulen who had to return to his French club Toulon, while Siya Kolisi is in for Francois Louw who like Vermeulen had to return to Bath because of the international window.
As expected veteran prop Beast Mtawarira was ruled out with a groin injury which gave Steven Kitshoff a second start in his 23rd Test.
In the other change to the starting lineup hooker Malcolm Marx is back from his shoulder injury which kept him out of the Italy game, even though Bongi Mbonambi is unlucky after a storming showing.
“It is great to welcome Malcolm back, however, Bongi did a superb job against Italy and I expect the same performance from him when he comes on later in the game,” said Coetzee.
On the bench centre Lukhanyo Am has been for a possible debut game, where he is joined by flankers Uzair Cassiem and Oupa Mohoje and returning prop Ruan Dreyer, while scrumhalf Louis Schreuder could earn his first cap after being named in the place of Rudy Paige.