Schalk Brits to lead Springboks against Namibia

25 Sep 2019 | Admin Author

The Springboks have rotated their squad for Saturday's must-win cross-border battle with northern neighbours Namibia, making 13 changes to the starting line-up that appeared in the opening Rugby World Cup clash with New Zealand.

Coach Rassie Erasmus gives first appearances in the competition to nine players while Makazole Mapimpi (left-wing) and Lukhanyo Am (centre) are the only players from the 23-13 reverse against New Zealand, to make back-to-back starts.

In addition, six of the opening day starting XV re-appear on the bench - including captain Siya Kolisi - while all of last Saturday's replacements (with the exception of injured Jesse Kriel) are in the starting lineup.

One of the newcomers to the starting line-up is Schalk Brits, who moves to a new role in the back row at No 8. Brits captains the team for the second time having led the Springboks in the 24-18 victory over Argentina in Pretoria.

The match will be only the third meeting between the countries, but Erasmus does not expect a repeat of the blowouts of the previous meetings.

** Meanwhile: Underdogs Uruguay pulled off the greatest win in their history to beat Fiji 30-27 on Wednesday, the first upset at the Rugby World Cup in Japan after a pulsating game at the Kamaishi Recovery Stadium.

The South Americans had only ever won two games at the World Cup and are ranked nine places below the more celebrated Pacific islanders, whom they had never beaten.

The Springbok team to play Namibia in the City of Toyota Stadium on Saturday is:

15. Warrick Gelant (Vodacom Bulls),

14. Sbu Nkosi (Cell C Sharks)

13. Lukhanyo Am (Cell C Sharks)

12. Frans Steyn (Montpellier, France)

11. Makazole Mapimpi (Cell C Sharks)

10. Elton Jantjies (Emirates Lions)

9. Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers)

8. Schalk Brits (captain, Vodacom Bulls)

7. Kwagga Smith (Emirates Lions)

6. Francois Louw (Bath, England)

5. Lood de Jager (Vodacom Bulls)