Massive chance for Snyman
SNYMAN: COMBATIVE LOCK GETS HIS CHANCE TO STAR
Springboks have a 75% win ratio in 16 Tests at Murrayfield.
Tomorrow’s Test against Scotland at Murrayfield will provide a massive opportunity for abrasive lock RG Snyman, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus believes.
Snyman was named in the starting line-up yesterday for the Boks’ penultimate Test of the year, replacing Pieter-Steph du Toit who was moved to blindside flank because Eben Etzebeth is still out after picking up an ankle injury against England in the opening match of their tour.
Snyman was preparing for his fourth start in his 10th Test after he started all three home Tests against England in June.
“Unfortunately Eben is still not fully fit and this gives RG Snyman another great opportunity to start,” Erasmus said.
While the team announcement showed six changes, there were only two in the starting line-up, two more positional shifts and another two on the bench.
Duane Vermeulen moved to No 8 in the place of the injured Warren Whiteley, who was withdrawn from the rest of the tour.
“Moving Duane and Pieter-Steph around in the pack isn’t disruptive, as both of them are very experienced and have played for us in these positions earlier in the season,” Erasmus said.
The only other change to the starting team was at scrumhalf, where Embrose Papier was set to earn his first start after securing five caps from the bench.
With Faf de Klerk released back to his English club, Ivan van Zyl was introduced to the match-23 as a replacement scrumhalf, while Lood de Jager was due to provide cover at lock.
Meanwhile, flyhalf Handré Pollard will become the second most-capped Bok No 10 by making his 38th Test appearance, surpassing 2007 World Cup winner Butch James’ 37 caps in that position.
The most-capped Bok flyhalf was Morné Steyn, with 64 Tests.
South Africa and Scotland are gearing up for their 17th Test at Murrayfield, with the Boks having won 12 of their previous 16 matches for a win percentage of 75%.
Referee Romain Poite of Francehas officiated in 10 matches involving South Africa, with the Boks winning six and losing four.