Home side likely to tinker with their match day squad for Saturday’s encounter in Bloemfontein
Flyhalf Handre Pollard should be in the selection mix for the second Test in Bloemfontein against Wales.In the aftermath of SA’s 32-29 win over a fire-breathing Wales at Loftus Versfeld in the first Test, much of the talk will turn to whether the Boks can be caught that cold in the second.
The Boks, by contrast, failed to find the field position they craved in that first half, their forwards were being chopped at the knee, leaving their backs not much room to manoeuvre as they ran into the embrace of the first Welsh defender. They were also blunted at the breakdown and a slight reconfiguration may be required for the second Test. They opted for Franco Mostert’s strong carrying and line-out ability but they may need a player more skilled at wreaking havoc at the ruck. Elrigh Louw, who made his debut off the bench in Pretoria, contributed richly to the Bok second half comeback. So too did Malcolm Marx, who is also a proficient ball poacher.
Coach Jacques Nienaber was loath to say whether they were able to glean more from the first or second half in the first Test. They will certainly have to make amendments to their match day team. Tighthead prop Tomas Francis took a knee to the head when he attempted a low tackle and was knocked out.He’s OK in the changing room,” said coach Wayne Pivac. “He will go through the normal protocols. I would think he will definitely be out of the second Test, and we will have to wait and see whether he is available for the third.
He explained that Wales was never going to take a step back and that it was their duty to be confrontational and meet the Boks head on.Nika Amashukeli who dismissed four Welshmen, including Biggar with yellow cards.We’ve got to look at ourselves first,” said Biggar. We gave some easy ins and some easy decisions. It’s difficult to say too much when you’re quite emotional. Some felt a bit harsh but conversely when you give SA an in, it’s hard to stop and it’s probably hard to referee then.
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