South Africa ring changes for Canada match at WCup
KOBE: South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus made 13 changes for his side’s final Rugby World Cup Pool B fixture against Canada tomorow, with just a four-day turnaround from their previous match. A bonus-point victory over the rank outsiders will virtually guarantee the two-time world champion Springboks a quarter-final place despite losing their opening match of the tournament to reigning title-holders New Zealand.
But just days after a 49-3 win over Italy, Erasmus has freshened up his starting side, with only Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and centre Damian de Allende retaining their places. Meanwhile Damian Willemse, who only arrived on Thursday as an injury replacement for Jesse Kriel following a brief stint with English and European champions Saracens, went straight into the starting XV at fullback.
Kolisi missed this season’s Rugby Championship with a knee injury and Erasmus said the flanker needed game time in order to regain full fitness. “Siya played a full 80 (minutes) last week (against Italy), and I thought he was wonderful. It was his best game since he’s back from injury... He is not overplayed, so I guess the more game time, the better for him.”
Erasmus said Willemse’s addition gave South Africa the “luxury” of resting
Makazole Mapimpi after the winger started all three of their previous pool games. The fullback “would’ve probably made the World Cup squad if he wasn’t injured” and knows the Springbok systems, said Erasmus. Willemse added: “I’m really excited to play. I’ve been out for three months... I must say, I’ve got that hunger, and it’s been good to get some game time for Sarries.” The quick turnaround is a challenge, admitted Erasmus, although he said they had planned for it and were well-prepared.
“This match is just as important as the three that we have already played — it has the same number of log points available and the same impact on our chances of qualifying and we have to now complete the job.”
Erasmus was a member of the South Africa side that beat Canada 51-18 when the teams last met, in East London, 19 years ago. But Erasmus warned that
Canada and other so-called Tier Two sides were on the rise and gave credit to World Rugby for reducing the gap.
“If you look at the phases Canada produced against Italy (in a 48-7 defeat) and how they botched a few tries — they could’ve scored four or five really good tries. “I’ve played against them and this team I’ve picked will know they are in for a physical battle.” South Africa (15-1) Damian Willemse; Warrick Gelant, Damian de Allende, Francois Steyn, S’Busiso Nkosi; Elton Jantjies, Cobus Reinach; Francois Louw, Kwagga Smith, Siya Kolisi (capt); Franco Mostert, RG Snyman; Vincent Koch, Schalk Brits, Thomas du Toit. Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph Du Toit, Herschel Jantjies, Handre Pollard, Willie Le Roux.