Coach gees up the new boys

20 November 2014 - 02:24 By Craig Ray in Padova, Italy
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Johan Goosen is still learning the nuance of playing at 15
Johan Goosen is still learning the nuance of playing at 15
Image: GALLO IMAGES

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has challenged fullback Johan Goosen and debutant flank Nizaam Carr to make the most of the opportunity when they play against Italy this weekend.

Goosen is one of four changes to the starting line-up whereas Carr is one of five changes to the bench for Saturday's clash at the Stadio Euganeo from the team that beat England 31-28 at the weekend.

Lions prop Julian Redelinghuys, who is on the bench, is the other uncapped member of the team. There are returns for flank Teboho Mohoje and prop Coenie Oosthuizen in the starting 15 while loosehead Trevor Nyakane will make his first Test start.

Also on the bench are prop Gurthrö Steenkamp, lock Lood de Jager and fullback Willie le Roux.

Tendai Mtawarira is being given a break.

Though there is an inexperienced tinge to the team, there is also an experienced spine.

Captain Jean de Villiers, wings Bryan Habana and JP Pietersen, lock Victor Matfield, hooker Adriaan Strauss and No8 Duane Vermeulen are comforting figures in the run-on team.

"I believe Goosen can be a world- class fullback," Meyer said.

"Willie le Roux is struggling with a cheekbone bruise and we felt it better to leave him out. There was an option to play Pat Lambie at fullback, but he did so well at 10 last week and to move him around would be unsettling.

"It's a big test for Johan because Italy have a good kicking game and he will have to be aware. In the northern hemisphere the kicking contest is even more important, as we found out against Ireland.

"He'll have to be solid under the high ball because there will be more up-and-unders. Here it's not so much about what you can do, but how you can eliminate mistakes. That's the difference."

Meyer admitted he had considered resting Vermeulen, but with Schalk Burger's return to SA it left his back-row options limited when it came to experience.

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