Combrinck, Whiteley to start for Boks

The Bok boss has rewarded Michaelhouse old boy Ruan Combrinck for his man-of-the-match winning debut last weekend. Combrinck slots in on the right wing, while Lwazi Mvovo shifts onto the bench.

Meanwhile Lions captain Warren Whiteley will start at number 8, in place of the injured Duane Vermeulen. Fellow Lions loose forward Jaco Kriel could make his debut this weekend, as he provides cover off the bench.

Steven Kitshoff could also make his debut as a reserve, as he provides prop cover after Trevor Nyakane was ruled out of the Test with an ankle injury.

Bongi Mbonambi is yet to make his debut, and provides cover again at hooker for captain Adriaan Strauss.

“Combrinck into the side gives us a right-footed kicker in the side, which we don’t have with Faf de Klerk, Elton Jantjies and Willie le Roux. We’ve noted that Ireland kick down that left-hand touchline so Combrinck gives us that cover,” the coach said after announcing his team.

“Secondly, he’s an additional goal-kicker from 50 metres out. On top of that I think he showed great form last week.”

Nevertheless Coetzee said he was expecting an almighty clash in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

“There will be contests and little battles and we expect that. It’s the end of their season and they will come hard. They know there is one chance to clinch the series, but we are well-prepared. We also have our own motivations and ambitions.”

Kickoff is at 17h00.

Springbok team:

Willie le Roux, Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Damian de Allende, JP Pietersen, Elton Jantjies, Faf de Klerk, Warren Whiteley, Siya Kolisi, Francois Louw, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Adriaan Strauss (captain), Tendai Mtawarira. 

Substitutes: Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff, Julian Redelinghuys, Franco Mostert, Jaco Kriel, Rudy Paige, Morne Steyn, Lwazi Mvovo.

Twitter - @gazza_jenks @ECRSportswave 

Facebook - ECRSportswave