Springbok coach Rudolf Straeuli on Thursday named De Wet Barry as his inside centre for Saturday’s Vodacom Tri-nations opener against Australia in Cape Town.
Barry replaces Gcobani Bobo, who covers both inside and outside centre from the substitute’s bench.
Thinus Delport, who last played for the Springboks in 2001, is selected as left wing at the expense of veteran winger Pieter Rossouw.
The starting line-up shows eight changes from that which beat Argentina 26-25 in Port Elizabeth, but is very similar to the side that beat Scotland in Johannesburg to seal a 2-0 series triumph.
The significant changes in the pack, when compared to the eight that played against Scotland, are the return of captain Corne Krige and the selection of Juan Smith at No. 8. Smith is preferred to Pedrie Wannenburg in Bob Skinstad’s continued absence.
Skinstad was ruled out of Saturday’s test because he has not recovered sufficiently from a bout of flu and hooker John Smit was also withdrawn because of a right hamstring strain.
”It is unfortunate for Bob and John. Both were very eager to get game time against Australia, but we were not going to risk either of them. I am confident they will be available for selection against New Zealand,” said Straeuli.
”My focus is on who I have picked and I am confident we can start the Tri-nations successfully. It is an exciting squad, but only those 22 selected can show off the quality of the squad. It all comes down to performance.” Straeuli, in finalising the match 22, applauded the resilience and tenacity of South Western Districts and former Boland hooker Dale Santon.
”He deserves it. He has worked extremely hard this year. Dale’s inclusion again shows that age is not a factor, be the player 18 or 33. If we feel he is good enough and the right player for the occasion, he will be selected,” said Straeuli.
Springboks to play Australia: Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Stefan Terblanche, Marius Joubert, De Wet Barry, Thinus Delport, Louis Koen, Joost van der Westhuizen, Juan Smith, Wikus van Heerden, Corne Krige (captain), Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Richard Bands, Danie Coetzee and Lawrence Sephaka.
Substitutes: Dale Santon, Robbie Kempson, Selborne Boome, Pedrie Wannenburg, Craig Davidson, Gcobani Bobo and Brent Russell. – Sapa