Springbok coach Rudolf Straeuli has made a number of changes to his starting XV for Saturday’s one-off test against Argentina in Springs, including handing over the captaincy to Corne Krige.
Krige will captain the team for only the second time in his career and takes over from number eight, Bob Skinstad.
Skinstad keeps his place in the run-on side though.
Straeuli said on Wednesday in naming his team, the captaincy could change at any time.
”Bob did well in the last two tests, but I believe Corne will do just as well on Saturday,” said Straeuli.
In the other changes, Adi Jacobs replaces Marius Joubert at outside centre, Craig Davidson starts ahead of Bolla Conradie, Hottie Louw gets a start in place of Quinton Davids and Ollie le Roux starts at loosehead in place of Daan Human.
Straeuli said the changes had nothing to do with form, but rather that the men who have been sitting on the bench deserve a chance.
”We are constantly looking for improvement, for what’s best for the team. Most of these guys need game time,” said Straeuli.
Krige said he was honoured to be leading the team.
”It’s an awesome privilege to be captaining a young and exciting team. In life you only get a few opportunities and I have to make this one count,” said Krige.
The South African team consists of: Brent Russell, Stefan Terblanche, Adi Jacobs, De Wet Barry, Breyton Paulse, Andre Pretorius, Craig Davidson, Bob Sinstad, AJ Venter, Corne Krige (c), Jannes Labuschagne, Hottie Louw, Willie Meyer, James Dalton, Ollie le Roux.
The replacements are: Daan Human, Faan Rautenbach, Quinton Davids, Joe van Niekerk, Bolla Conradie, Marius Joubert, Werner Greeff. – Sapa