Springboks surprise with four changes
July 17, 2008 - 4:34pm
Story by: ARU
The Springboks Head Coach Peter de Villiers has sprung a major surprise by making four changes to South Africa's starting line-up for Saturday night’s Tri-Nation’s clash against the Qantas Wallabies at Subiaco oval in Perth.
After their historic win in Dunedin last weekend against the All Blacks it was expected De Villiers would retain the same line-up, except for the one enforced change of Stormer’s rake Schalk Brits coming in for the suspended Bismarck du Plessis.
But in a major shock South African fullback, and 98 Test veteran, Percy Montgomery is axed not only from the starting XV, but from the bench as well. In his place returns Conrad Jantjes, who started against the All Blacks a week previously in Wellington.
Montgomery’s long kicking game played a major role in the Boks win against the odds in Dunedin and his omission could hint at the World Champions playing a more ball in hand style against the Wallabies.
In another surprise Bulls No.8 Pierre Spies comes in at No.8, forcing Joe van Niekerk, who had an enterprising game on Saturday and set up the Boks first try, also out of the 22.
Spies brings added physicality against van Niekerk’s mobility and will be raring to go after sitting out the first two matches on tour. Spies head-to-head match up with Wallabies No.8 Wycliff Palu could be bone-shattering.
The fourth change is also enforced with wonder-kid Francois Steyn replacing the injured Adi Jacobs at outside centre, although he could pop up at any number of positions during the Test.
Steyn links up with Stormers captain Jean de Villiers in a tantalising new midfield combination that could cause a few defensive headaches for the Wallabies.
There are also a number of changes on the bench with Cheetahs hooker Adriaan Strauss, who only joined the squad on Tuesday, set to earn his first Test cap if he takes the field.
“The Beast”, Tendai Mtawarira, is also set to thrill the locals as the South Africans opt for two props in the reserve list, also retaining the Stormers, and fellow Zimbabwean, Brian Mujati.
They’ll be cheering in Durban as well as rangy Sharks No.8 Ryan Kankowski, many fans pick as the Super 14’s Player of the Tournament, gets his first chance of the tournament in a five-two split on the bench.
Another surprise on the bench is Stormers flyhalf Peter Grant, who gets his chance following the desperately unlucky Montgomery’s omission.
In explaining the changes, the Springbok coach said his side were not living off their victory in Dunedin over the All Blacks and needed to be just as wary of the Wallabies.
"You can't take history with you and that wins mean nothing this weekend," he said. "They (Wallabies) are a team that you do have to respect.
"They wear you down and their execution is always brilliant, they are a great all-round team and we are in for a very tough game this weekend."
Springbok team to face the Qantas Wallabies at Subiaco Oval in Perth, on Saturday July 19 (6.05pm kick off, local), is:
15. Conrad Jantjes (Stormers), 14. JP Pietersen (Sharks), 13. Francois Steyn (Sharks), 12. Jean de Villiers (Stormers), 11. Bryan Habana (Bulls), 10. Butch James (Bath, UK), 9. Ricky Januarie (Stormers), 8. Pierre Spies (Bulls), 7. Juan Smith (Cheetahs), 6. Schalk Burger (Stormers), 5. Victor Matfield (Bulls) (capt), 4. Bakkies Botha (Bulls), 3. CJ van der Linde (Cheetahs), 2. Schalk Brits (Stormers), 1. Gurthro Steenkamp (Bulls). Reserves: 16. Adriaan Strauss (Cheetahs), 17. Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks), 18. Brian Mujati (Stormers), 19. Andries Bekker (Stormers), 20. Ryan Kankowski (Sharks), 21. Ruan Pienaar (Sharks), 22. Peter Grant (Stormers).
Some tickets are still available for Saturday night’s Test from Ticketmaster on 1300 136 122 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.au
