Louw in line for starting berth

Bloemfontein – Changes at scrumhalf and wing have already been telegraphed, but Springbok coach Allister Coetzee could spread his selection axe even further today for the Rugby Championship Test against Australia on Saturday.

With scrumhalf Francois Hougaard dropped and wing Raymond Rhule released to the Cheetahs, the third change could include Francois Louw replacing Jean-Luc du Preez on the flank.

Wing Dillyn Leyds will be awarded his first start, while Ross Cronje is the logical replacement for Hougaard.

There could also be a debate who of Franco Mostert or Pieter-Steph du Toit should start as captain Eben Etzebeth’s lock partner.

Bok assistant coach Franco Smith said the reality is that they were on a roll for six games before the All Black Test during which they hadn’t lost and played some good rugby and developed a good culture.

“There’s still a sound team culture, but suddenly with high expectations added to the mix. That might have got to some of the guys in the squad still being young,” he said.

“We have a number of guys who have played less than 10 Tests, but now we have gained that experience and some of the big-game nervousness will hopefully be something of the past.”

Smith said it had been a difficult week but one where they spent a lot of time on analysis of the All Black Test.

“It was a tough week but the guys just want to get out there and there’s no need for a coach to give them additional inspiration.

“For us it’s being able to find our feet again after being without the ball for so long in that second half in the Championship. It was always about scoring more tries and making good decisions,” he added.

It could be just that a few tweaks in team selection could get them back on their path.

“The more we play and train together the more we will be able to handle the last setback and get a clearer picture how we want to play,” he said.