Lock Eben Etzebeth will captain the Springboks in the third test against France at Ellis Park on Saturday after regular skipper Warren Whiteley withdrew due to a groin strain.
Etzebeth‚ 25‚ who was the team vice-captain‚ becomes Springbok captain number 59 with his elevation to skipper for the Test.
Whiteley has been managed throughout the series for his groin strain that he aggravated on Thursday after a lineout session‚ and it was decided to send him for a scan on Friday. The scan showed he aggravated the initial strain and it was therefore decided not to risk with him.
“Warren is indeed a big loss for us. However‚ our preparations this week went very well and hasn’t been disrupted‚” explained Springbok coach‚ Allister Coetzee.
The withdrawal of Whiteley‚ who has led the Boks to triumphs in the previous two meetings between the sides‚ has resulted in a few personnel changes in the Springbok match 23.
Jean-Luc du Preez moves from the side of the scrum to fill the No 8 position‚ while flanker Jaco Kriel is elevated from the bench into the starting team. Lood de Jager (lock) now comes onto the substitute bench as one of the forward reserves.
Pieter-Steph du Toit will cover looseforward from the bench.
- TimesLIVE
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