SPRINGBOK RUGBY
Rassie Erasmus keeps same starters against Wales
For the first time this season Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus retains the same starting team but has reintroduced fit-again lock Eben Etzebeth
After consecutive wins over France and Scotland‚ Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus gave his team the thumbs up by making just one change to the squad to play Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday. For the first time this season Erasmus retained the same starting team but has reintroduced fit-again lock Eben Etzebeth to the bench at the expense of Lood de Jager for the last Test of 2018. Etzebeth, who left the field injured in the 42nd minute in the opening Test of the tour against England‚ will be eased back, allowing Franco Mostert and RG Snyman to start their second straight Test in the second row. The last two Tests have given Erasmus cause for confidence and it is reflected in his team selection. The coach is starting to cultivate a familiar look to his backline with the same Nos 10 to 14 having started all four Tests on the tour. Apart from Etzebeth‚ the club-tied scrumhalf Faf de Klerk is perhaps the only other player who can markedly improve the starting team. Loose head...
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