SOUTH AFRICA HAVE recalled scrumhalf Faf de Klerk and winger Warrick Gelant Monday in the only changes to the starting team as they strive to snap a nine-year winless streak in Australia.
The world champions head into their clash at Adelaide Oval Saturday on the back of a 35-23 home loss to New Zealand, having beaten the All Blacks 26-10 in their Rugby Championship opener.
Australia will also run out after tasting defeat, embarrassed 48-17 by Argentina a week after beating them 41-26. The Wallabies name their team on Thursday.
“This is a very important clash for us to set the tone for our Rugby Championship tour and we feel that continuity in selection is important to build momentum in our campaign,” said head coach Jacques Nienaber.
De Klerk returns after missing the second All Blacks Test due to concussion and will earn his 40th cap in place of Jaden Hendrikse, while Racing 92 flyer Gelant takes over from Jesse Kriel.
👉 De Klerk and Gelant to start in Adelaide on Saturday
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 22, 2022
🦘 Big challenge await the Boks against the Wallabies
🗣️ “Australia are always a tough force at home”
🔗 Team announcement: https://t.co/QUbooAYbSc#StrongerTogether #StrongerForever #AUSvRSA #CastleRugbyChampionship pic.twitter.com/YESHym1eQv
Right wing has been a problem position for the Springboks this season with first choice Cheslin Kolbe breaking his jaw against Wales last month.
The Toulon speedster has been ruled out until the final match of the southern hemisphere tournament, against Argentina in Durban on 24 September.
Kurt-Lee Arendse replaced him for the opening New Zealand Test but was sent off and banned for four internationals. Kriel took over for the second clash, but lasted just 10 minutes before being injured.
“Warrick was in good form for the DHL Stormers earlier this season and he has been working hard at training, so we thought it would be good to give him a run on the wing,” said Nienaber.
“Faf, meanwhile, is back from concussion and his experience will be important in this game.”
Nienaber made three changes to the bench, which features five forwards and three backs, with Jaden Hendrikse in for Herschel Jantjies. Elton Jantjies and Frans Steyn will provide cover at the back with Willie le Roux and Jasper Wiese missing out.
Australia has not been a happy hunting ground for the Springboks, losing six of the last seven Tests on the Wallabies home territory and drawing the other.
They have not won on Australian soil since 2013, but have two chances to break the drought with the Adelaide Test followed a week later by a clash in Sydney.
South Africa (v Australia)
15. Damian Willemse
14. Warrick Gelant
13. Lukhanyo Am
12. Damian de Allende
11. Makazole Mapimpi
10. Handre Pollard
9. Faf de Klerk
1. Ox Nche
2. Joseph Dweba
3. Frans Malherbe
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Lood de Jager
6. Siya Kolisi (capt)
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit
8. Duane Vermeulen
Replacements:
16. Malcolm Marx
17. Steven Kitshoff
18. Vincent Koch
19. Franco Mostert
20. Kwagga Smith
21. Jaden Hendrikse
22. Elton Jantjies
23. Frans Steyn
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