Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made two changes to his starting XV for the second Test against England in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
As expected, Pieter-Steph du Toit has replaced Jean-Luc du Preez at blindside flank, while tighthead prop Frans Malherbe comes in for Wilco Louw, who is rested.
Du Preez drops down to the bench, where he will be joined by Jesse Kriel, who replaces Elton Jantjies.
Beast Mtawarira will on Saturday become only the sixth Bok to play 100 Tests.
FEATURE: ‘Milestone bigger than one man’
Erasmus described the loosehead prop as a great servant to Springbok rugby and a very good professional.
‘Much like a typical front rower, “Beast” is not someone who likes the spotlight,’ said Erasmus. ‘However, his contribution to Springbok rugby during the past decade has been enormous and I want to congratulate him on reaching 100 Test caps for South Africa.
‘It is a special achievement and while he deserves the accolades, I know he will be totally focussed on the most important job, and that is to face an extremely determined England side on Saturday in Bloem.’
Erasmus added that an improved performance will be needed from the Boks when the two sides meet again at the Free State Stadium.
‘England are a powerful side and I know Eddie Jones will have his team super prepared for Saturday. They will no doubt want to bounce back to level the series, so it’s going to be another huge Test of our resolve and character.’
ALSO READ: 14 Springbok stats and facts
Springboks – 15 Willie le Roux, 14 S’bu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Beast Mtawarira.
Subs: 16 Akker van der Merwe, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Sikumbuzo Notshe, 20 Jean-Luc du Preez, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Jesse Kriel, 23 Warrick Gelant.
Photo: Frikkie Kapp/Gallo Images
