TUESDAY, 8.45AM:
SPRINGBOK selectors have made six changes – including one positional switch – to the squad to face Italy in the opening match of their tour of Europe and the United Kingdom in Bologna which kicks off on Saturday.
Western Province skipper Dick Muir will make his long-awaited debut for South Africa along with Justin Swart, who replaces injured Andre Joubert at fullback, Andre Snyman moves from wing to his natural position at outside centre. Henry Honiball moves back to flyhalf, Andre Venter is back at flank to replce Warren Bronihan and Adrian Garvey will lead the attack.
Springbok coach Nick Mallett has decided to keep WP’s Andrew Aitken on the reserves’ bench. He said Aitken will make his debut at some stage of the match. “I’m looking at the squad of 21, rather than just a starting XV plus six others,” said Mallett.
SOUTH AFRICAN SQUAD:
Justin Swart; James Small, Andre Snyman, Dick Muir, Pieter Rossouw; Henry Honiball, Joost van der Westhuizen; Gary Teichmann, Andre Venter, Johan Erasmus, Mark Andrews, Krynauw Otto, Adrian Garvey, James Dalton, Os du Randt. RESERVES: Percy Montgomery, Werner Swanepoe, Andrew Aitken, Braam Els, Naka Drotske, Dawie Theron.