Let the rumble begin
Combrinck and Whiteley to start in series decider against Ireland
FOLLOWING his dream debut in Johannesburg last week, flying wing Ruan Combrinck gets another chance to shine when he makes a much-anticipated start in the test series-decider against Ireland tomorrow.
Combrinck sparked a ferocious revival against Ireland with a dazzling try and an expected 43 000 capacity crowd will be expecting more magic from the speedster at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
The Lions wing is one of two changes to the Springbok starting lineup for their “cup final” showdown against an Ireland outfit chasing a first series win in South Africa,
Fellow Lions player Warren Whiteley replaces the experienced Duane Vermeulen at No 8 (elbow injury), while Combrinck gets the nod ahead of Lwazi Mvovo, who moves to the bench.
Explaining the decision to elevate the Lions wing, Springbok coach Allister Coetzee said: “I have always said where I can make a tactical change that will benefit the team, I will do that.
“Bringing in Combrinck into the side gives us another right-footed kicker which we didn’t have. It has been noted that Ireland have been kicking down that left touchline.
“So Combrinck gives us that rightfooted opportunity and, secondly, he brings us an additional goal-kicker from 50m out. On top of that he showed great form last week.”
Coetzee said he expected Ireland to test his team across the field.
“There will be contests and little battles. This is the end of the Irish season basically and they will come hard.
“They know there is one chance to clinch the series, but we are well prepared. We also have our own motivation and ambitions.
“Whether it is tactically or in the physicality stakes or in the set piece battles, there will be something new from the Irish because they are a clever coaching group. But we are prepared.”
An ankle injury has ruled out prop Trevor Nyakane, and his place among the reserves is filled by the uncapped Steven Kitshoff.
He is joined on the bench by another uncapped player, Jaco Kriel, who comes into the match-day squad for the first time during the series.
“It will be another huge battle between the sides,” Coetzee predicted.
“Both sides have suffered injuries before and during the series, but that is part of the game and it again provides opportunities for others to come in and stake their claim.
“Jaco has been close to selection every time and he now gets his chance in the match-day squad.
“Steven has worked extremely hard since we got together as a team and he also has an opportunity to show his promise should he take to the field.
“We know what is at stake [tomorrow]. It is a matter of winner-takes-all scenario.”
Tendai Mtawarira is the most experienced player in the side with 77 tests to his credit. He is three tests short of Os du Randt’s record of 80 at prop for South Africa.
Three other players in the side – captain Adriaan Strauss (56), Morne Steyn (61) and JP Pietersen (68) – have also played more than 50 tests for South Africa.
If he comes on at flyhalf, Steyn will extend his own record of 59 appearances in this position for the Springboks. He is on 694 points and can become only the second player in history to score more than 700 test points for South Africa. Tomorrow’s teams: South Africa: Willie le Roux, Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Damian de Allende, JP Pietersen, Elton Jantjies, Faf de Klerk, Warren Whiteley, Siya Kolisi, Francois Louw, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Adriaan Strauss (captain), Tendai Mtawarira. Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff, Julian Redelinghuys, Franco Mostert, Jaco Kriel, Rudy Paige, Morne Steyn, Lwazi Mvovo
Ireland: Tiernan O’Halloran, Andrew Trimble, Luke Marshall, Stuart Olding, Keith Earls, Paddy Jackson, Conor Murray, Jamie Heaslip, Jordi Murphy, CJ Stander, Devin Toner, Iain Henderson, Mike Ross, Rory Best (captain), Jack McGrath. Replacements: Sean Cronin, Finlay Bealham, Tadgh Furlong, Ultan Dillane, Rhys Ruddock, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Matt Healy
Referee: Glen Jackson