Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has named an unchanged line-up for Saturday’s opening Test of the Outgoing Tour against Ireland.
The only change to the match-day squad is at replacement prop, where the injured Marcel van der Merwe is replaced by Coenie Oosthuizen.
“Although Julian Redelinghuys was also considered, he’s still new in the team and not familiar with our patterns of play and especially the line-out calls, while Coenie knows the way we play well,” Meyer said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Coenie is also in great shape and we know what he can do, especially if he has to make an impact off the bench. It’s good to have him back.”
Meyer was happy with the continuity in selection from the last Test against New Zealand.
“It’s only the fifth time in what will be the 34th Test since I was appointed as Springbok coach that we’ve been able to select an unchanged starting line-up.
“In this day and age, not making changes to teams is pretty much unheard of, but this is a great position we’re in.
“The challenge this week is to make another step up and It’s imperative that we improve in all facets of our play.”
The Springbok team: Willie le Roux, Cornal Hendricks, Jan Serfontein, Jean de Villiers (captain), Bryan Habana, HandrĂ© Pollard, Francois Hougaard, Duane Vermeulen, Teboho “Oupa” Mohoje, Marcell Coetzee, Victor Matfield (vice-captain), Eben Etzebeth, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Trevor Nyakane, Coenie Oosthuizen, Bakkies Botha, Schalk Burger, Cobus Reinach, Pat Lambie, JP Pietersen.
Source : Sapa /lg/jlb