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No surprises in Bok XV
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 (10:58:56)
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 The Springbok starting XV to face France in Toulouse on Friday shows four changes from the run-on XV that did duty in the Boks’ final Vodacom Tri-Nations encounter against the All Blacks in Hamilton in September.
Zane Kirchner, who made his debut in the third and final Test against the British & Irish Lions in July, returns at fullback in place of Frans Steyn, who is currently playing in France, whilst at wing, JP Pietersen, who was injured in the first away match of the Tri-Nations in Perth, returns in place of Odwa Ndungane
Centre Adi Jacobs and No. 8 Ryan Kankowski, who were on the bench in Hamilton, have been promoted to the starting line-up in the place of Jean de Villiers (overseas) and Pierre Spies (injured) respectively.
Danie Rossouw and Ruan Pienaar are only other survivors from the bench in Hamilton, with five changes being made. Lock Andries Bekker, who was also injured in the Perth Test, makes a return as does centre Wynand Olivier, who last warmed the bench for the All Black Test in Bloemfontein in July.
Adriaan Strauss, who has played five Tests to date, replaces Chiliboy Ralepelle as hooker reserve and CJ van der Linde takes the place of Jannie du Plessis as tighthead replacement. Loosehead Wian du Preez, who was called up along with Strauss and Van der Linde this week, is also amongst the reserves.
Du Preez is the only uncapped player in the 22. Van der Linde, a veteran of 56 Tests, last played for the Boks in August 2008 whilst Strauss’ last appearance was in July 2008.
“The core of the match did duty during the Tri-Nations campaign and will provide us with stability going into this tough opening Test,” said Springbok coach Peter de Villiers.
“There are a lot of experienced players in the starting XV as well as on the bench which will be important to our continuity as well as to ensuring that we maintain our structures and play the way we want to.
“I have full confidence in the new players who will be starting on Friday, they have shown their qualities before and we have to make sure we get the best out of them. The three newcomers are all good players in their own right. CJ is very experienced whilst both Adriaan and Wian have been part of the squad previously,” De Villiers said.
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Team vs France
13 Nov 09
21:45
Toulouse
Toulouse, France
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- Captain - John Smit
- Kankowski at No 8
- Kirchner at fullback
- Strauss, Du Preez and Van der Linde on 5-2 split bench
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