Springbok management was forced to replace eightman Jasper Wiese for the important test against France for Saturday’s Test against France in Marseille. Mzwandile Stick did mention in an earlier interview that Evan Roos was not called up for South Africa "A" match against Munster as he was a backup for Wiese whose selection was still in doubt due to concussion concerns.
It was confirmed that Kwagga Smith will replace Jasper Wiese in the starting line-up with Deon Fourie who was promoted to the bench while Roos is still waiting for his opportunity.
The second Test on the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour kicks off at 22h00 (SA time) at the Stade Vélodrome, where Willie le Roux will slot back into the starting team at fullback, which sees Cheslin Kolbe move to the right wing and Kurt-Lee Arendse to the left wing, while Makazole Mapimpi has been named among the replacements. The other change in the backline sees Faf de Klerk start at scrumhalf in place of Jaden Hendrikse.
Nienaber also made changes to his forward pack, with tighthead prop Frans Malherbe packing down in a new-look front row next to Ox Nche (prop) and Bongi Mbonambi (hooker), while Franco Mostert makes the jump from the bench to the starting lineup to fill the void left by injured lock Lood de Jager. Kwagga Smith will also replace injured Jasper Wiese while Deon Fourie returns to the bench.
Other changes amongst the replacements, where the uncapped Libbok has been named in the matchday squad in a Test for the first time, include Cobus Reinach, who will provide cover at scrumhalf, as well as Steven Kitshoff (prop), Malcolm Marx (hooker) and Marvin Orie (lock). Nienaber opted for a split of five forwards and three backs on the bench for this Test.
Springboks: 15. Willie le Roux, 14. Cheslin Kolbe, 13. Jesse Kriel, 12. Damian de Allende, 11. Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10. Damian Willemse, 9. Faf de Klerk, 8. Kwagga Smith, 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6. Siya Kolisi (c), 5. Franco Mostert, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 3. Frans Malherbe, 2. Bongi Mbonambi, 1. Ox Nche. Replacements: 16. Malcolm Marx, 17. Steven Kitshoff, 18. Vincent Koch, 19. Marvin Orie, 20. Deon Fourie, 21. Cobus Reinach, 22. Manie Libbok, 23 Makazole Mapimpi.
