Springbok coach Rudolf Straeuli has made two changes to his starting XV for Saturday’s second test against Scotland in Johannesburg.
Bulls fullback Jaco van der Westhuyzen replaces Ricardo Loubscher and Marius Joubert will play at outside centre in the place of injured Sharks midfielder Andre Snyman.
Sharks utility back Brent Russell has been included among the substitutes in an otherwise unchanged team from that which beat Scotland 29-25 in the first test.
”Jaco and Marius have trained with the squad since we got together on May 29, so they have slotted in easily while Brent has looked very enthusiastic and energetic at training,” said Straeuli.
”Bob [Skinstad] is also looking sharp and I am very happy with the progress he has made since entering our rehabilitation program five weeks ago. Bob will not take part in Saturday’s match but it has been good having him train with the squad this week.”
Skinstad and Quinton Davids miss out from the group of 24 that has been training in Durban this week.
”There is a plan for every player who is involved in our squad sessions. The picture is bigger than just the second test against Scotland. I am looking at the two A internationals and the one-off test against Argentina in Port Elizabeth.
Players will get chances in all of these games to push for Tri-nations inclusion and ultimately World Cup selection,” said Straeuli, who added he was confident the Boks would show more fluidity against Scotland on Saturday.
”I am expecting a more cohesive and impressive performance. We did not play well in Durban but importantly got the first test win. A lot of hard work has gone into the last two weeks of preparation and ideally we want this to come through on the playing field.”
Springboks [to play Scotland]: Jaco van der Westhuyzen [Bulls], Stefan Terblanche [Sharks], Marius Joubert [Western Province], Trevor Halstead [Sharks], Ashwin Willemse [Lions], Louis Koen [Lions], Joost van der Westhuizen [Bulls, captain], Pedrie Wannenburg [Bulls], Wikus van Heerden [Lions], Hendrik Gerber [Western Province], Victor Matfield [Bulls], Bakkies Botha [Bulls], Richard Bands [Bulls], Danie Coetzee [Bulls] and Lawrence Sephaka [Lions]. Substitutes: Robbie Kempson [Stormers], Cobus Visagie [Western Province], Selborne Boome [Western Province], Juan Smith [Free State Cheetahs], Craig Davidson [Sharks], Gcobani Bobo [Lions] and Brent Russell [Sharks]. – Sapa