Erasmus tweaks line-up for France
Etzebeth one of three changes after England
Despite indicating that lock Eben Etzebeth would be fit to take on France in Paris tomorrow‚ coach Rassie Erasmus decided against picking him for the clash when he finalised his team yesterday.
Former Lions and current Gloucester lock Franco Mostert replaces Etzebeth in one of three changes following last week’s 12-11 defeat to England.
Scrumhalf Faf de Klerk and fullback Willie le Roux were also included.
Etzebeth was not considered because of an ankle injury he picked up against the English‚ which forced him to leave the field early at Twickenham.
“We believe it would be better not to rush Eben back as we still have two Tests left on the tour after the match against France‚” Erasmus said.
De Klerk replaces Ivan van Zyl while Le Roux comes in for Damian Willemse. Both Van Zyl and Willemse drop out of the match 23 altogether.
Scrumhalf Embrose Papier retains his place on the bench while Cheslin Kolbe returns to take his place among the replacements. Saracens prop Vincent Koch is also included among the reserves with Wilco Louw dropped from the squad that lost to England.
Kolbe‚ Mostert‚ Le Roux‚ Koch and De Klerk were all unavailable last weekend as the match fell outside the official Test window.
Hooker Malcolm Marx‚ who was one of the main culprits for the loss last weekend with his wayward lineout throwing‚ retains his place with Bongi Mbonambi on the wood for another week.
There are only five survivors in the Bok team that played France in Paris 12 months ago – centre Jesse Kriel‚ flyhalf Handré Pollard‚ loose forwards Duane Vermeulen, Siya Kolisi and hooker Marx.
“It’s good to have the experienced players back in the starting team for France‚” Erasmus said.
“I thought Damian and Ivan did very well last week against England but you need as much experience as possible playing away from home.
“We are building our squad depth for the Rugby World Cup and they will be back in the mix as the tour progresses.”