Scrumhalf Faf de Klerk returned for the Springboks and Warrick Gelant was given a start on the wing in two team changes Monday for the first of two Rugby Championship tests in Australia.
De Klerk is available again after missing the second test against New Zealand in South Africa with a concussion and is in for Jaden Hendrikse, who dropped to the bench. Gelant replaced Jesse Kriel, who left early in that second game against the All Blacks with a head injury.
South Africa made two other changes on the bench, with veteran utility back Frans Steyn back from injury and flyhalf Elton Jantjies earning a recall.
The Springboks also abandoned the 6-2 split for the bench, preferring a more traditional 5-3 mix of forwards and backs after Kriel’s early injury caused complications in the backline in the 35-23 loss to New Zealand on Aug. 13.
Coach Jacques Nienaber kept
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
