Rassie makes just one change to Bok squad
Following consecutive wins over France and Scotland‚ Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus gave his team the thumbs up by making just one change to the squad to play Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.
For the first time this season, Erasmus retained the same starting team but has reintroduced fit-again lock Eben Etzebeth to the bench at the expense of Lood de Jager for the last Test of the year.
Etzebeth, who left the field injured in the 42nd minute in the opening Test of the tour against England‚ will be eased back, allowing Franco Mostert and RG Snyman to start their second straight Test in the second row.
The last two Tests have given Erasmus cause for confidence and it is reflected in his team selection.
The coach is starting to cultivate a bit of a familiar look to his backline with numbers 10 to 14 set to start all four Tests on the tour.
Apart from Etzebeth‚ the club-tied scrumhalf Faf de Klerk is perhaps the only other player who can markedly improve the starting team.
Loose head Tendai Mtawarira, who is sitting out this tour due to injury, is another contender but in his absence Steven Kitshoff has continued to deliver on his rich promise.
Interestingly loose forward Warren Whiteley‚ who started in the Springboks’ win over France‚ is again absent from the match day squad.
What his omission from the last two Tests will mean for his prospects next season remains to be seen.
The Springboks have delivered solid performances on tour but they will still be ruing the manner in which they allowed England to snatch the opening Test.
Wales, meanwhile‚ has made just one change to their side that beat Australia two Saturdays ago.
Liam Williams moves from right wing to fullback in the place of reliable Leigh Halfpenny, who suffered a concussion against Australia.
Wales beat SA 24-22 in their final match of the year in December 2017.
This year they have won nine of their 11 Tests‚ and are on an eight-match unbeaten streak.
They have won their last three matches against the Springboks, including the most recent clash, in Washington in June.