Inspirational Lions (Whiteley and Combrinck) rewarded for 2nd test heroics

by

It was inevitable that Warren Whiteley and Ruan Combrinck would get their first starts in a Test match after their performances against Ireland in the second Test at Ellis Park. Combrinck replaces Lwazi Mvovo who was clearly targeted by the Irish with repeated high balls, and he was found to be lacking. Allister Coetzee won’t want a repeat of that tactic in Port Elizabeth. Even if Duane Vermeulen was fit for the clash, Coetzee would surely have been persuaded that Whiteley is the better man for the job. It was particularly telling that Bok assistant coach Matthew Proudfoot was given the freedom to wax lyrical about Whiteley’s leadership skills at a recent news conference. This is clearly something that’s being discussed in detail in the Bok camp, otherwise Proudfoot would have been told to keep his opinions away from the media. Could this be the first sign that Whiteley is potentially the new Bok captain once the Ireland series is over? Adriaan Strauss was only appointed as captain for the Ireland series, allowing Coetzee to review his options. After Whiteley galvanized the squad on Saturday, so impressing Proudfoot, we might see further changes to the Bok camp once the Irish depart. And if they depart having won the series, Strauss will certainly be dead and buried. – David O’Sullivan

From Sport24

Cape Town – Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has named his team for the third and final Test against Ireland in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

No 8 Warren Whiteley and wing Ruan Combrinck will make their first starts for the Springboks after impressive performances off the bench last week.

Pic: Twitter @SuperSportTV
Pic: Twitter @SuperSportTV

The inclusion of these two players are the only changes to the starting team announced by Coetzee for the third Test against the Irish at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Coetzee also made three changes to the bench.

Whiteley replaces the experienced Duane Vermeulen, who is out with an elbow injury, while Combrinck, man-of-the-match in last week’s win over the Irish in Johannesburg, gets the starting nod over Lwazi Mvovo, who is now on the bench.

An ankle injury has ruled out prop Trevor Nyakane, and his place amongst 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.

Adriaan Strauss will lead the Boks for the third time on Saturday, with the hooker looking to lead the South Africans to a series win over Ireland. The series is currently tied 1-1 after Ireland’s opening win in Cape Town and the Springboks’ victory last week on the Highveld.

The Springboks have been hard at work this week to prepare themselves for what promises to be another intriguing battle between the two sides.

Coetzee said the Boks were looking forward to playing the Irish in PE.

“It will be another huge battle between the sides on Saturday,” said Coetzee.

“Both sides have suffered injuries before and during the series, but that it 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 on Saturday – it’s a matter of winner takes all scenario. This group of players will continue to grow together as a team and Saturday they have the opportunity to gain more experience by playing together.” – Sport24

Teams:

South Africa

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Ruan Combrinck, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Tendai Mtawarira

Substitutes: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Julian Redelinghuys, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Jaco Kriel, 21 Rudy Paige, 22 Morne Steyn, 23 Lwazi Mvovo

Ireland

15 Tiernan O’Halloran, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Luke Marshall, 12 Stuart Olding, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Jordi Murphy, 6 CJ Stander, 5 Devin Toner, 4 Iain Henderson, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best (captain) 1 Jack McGrath

Substitutes: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Finlay Bealham, 18 Tadhg Furlong, 19 Ultan Dillane, 20 Rhys Ruddock, 21 Eoin Reddan, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Matt Healy

Source: http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Springboks/whiteley-combrinck-handed-bok-starts-20160623

Visited 62 times, 1 visit(s) today

BizNews