Coetzee looks ahead: With series won, coach takes longer-term view with his selections

23 June 2017 - 06:55 By LIAM DEL CARME
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GETTING THE FEEL: South Africa A players during their captain's run and team photo opportunity at Orlando Stadium in Soweto yesterday ahead of their second game against the French Barbarians today Picture: GALLO IMAGES
GETTING THE FEEL: South Africa A players during their captain's run and team photo opportunity at Orlando Stadium in Soweto yesterday ahead of their second game against the French Barbarians today Picture: GALLO IMAGES

After back-to-back wins over France, Springbok coach Allister Coetzee allowed himself to look into the middle distance with some of his selections for the final Test at Ellis Park tomorrow.

Coetzee sprung a mild surprise when he named Lions tighthead prop Ruan Dreyer in the lineup, while Coenie Oosthuizen continues to sit on the bench. Dreyer comes in for Frans Malherbe, who has been given a breather.

 The other change in the pack is enforced through the concussion suffered by Oupa Mohoje, which allows Jean-Luc du Preez to continue where he left off in Durban.

 In the backline, Francois Hou-gaard is in for Ross Cronjé.

In the only other change, Jesse Kriel returns to the No13 jersey in the place of Lionel Mapoe.

France have made three changes, including recalling flyhalf Jules Plisson. Brice Dulin returns at fullback and Nans Ducuing comes in on the right wing. 

Springboks: Andries Coetzee; Raymond Rhule, Jesse Kriel, Jan Serfontein, Courtnall Skosan; Elton Jantjies, Francois Hougaard; Warren Whiteley (captain), Jean-Luc du Preez, Siya Kolisi; Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth; Ruan Dreyer, Malcolm Marx, Tendai Mtawarira.

Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff, Coenie Oosthuizen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jaco Kriel; Rudy Paige, Frans Steyn, Dillyn Leyds.

France: Brice Dulin; Nans Ducuing, Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Virimi Vakatawa; Jules Plisson, Baptiste Serin; Louis Picamoles, Kevin Gourdon, Yacouba Camara; Romain Taofifenua, Yoann Maestri; Rabah Slimani, Guilhem Guirado (captain), Jefferson Poirot.

Replacements: Clement Maynadier, Xavier Chiocci, Uini Atonio, Paul Jedrasiak, Loann Goujon, Maxime Machenaud, Francois Trinh-Duc, Vincent Rattez

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