Springboks suffer JP blow
Pietersen strained his hamstring at Wednesday’s training session at St Peter’s College and will not be available to face the All Blacks. As a result, Cornal Hendricks will start at right wing, with Mapoe among the replacements.
“It’s a huge setback to lose JP for a big match such as this one as he has been in good form and brings valuable experience to our backline, but Cornal played against the All Blacks last year, scored a brilliant try in Wellington and is raring to go,” said Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.
“Lionel was not available for selection because of injury when we got together as a squad a few weeks ago and Jesse Kriel grabbed his opportunity with both hands. That is why I am delighted that Lionel is now getting his chance. We had a number of options on the bench, but decided on Lionel as he covers wing and outside centre, which is what we had in JP,” Meyer added.
(File Photo: Gallo Images)
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