SA fullback Damian Willemse has been handed a rare start as one of four changes to the match day squad for the autumn international series match against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
Willemse, an exciting utility player who can feature almost anywhere in the backline, has been brought into the side that beat New Zealand last month in place of the rested Willie le Roux, and will add to his 14 Springbok caps.
"We selected this squad with an eye on maintaining consistency in selection from the Rugby Championship, but at the same time giving players who have been knocking on the door for a while an opportunity to play," said Bok coach Jacques Nienaber. "Jesse has also been training hard. He is very experienced and he brings the physicality that will be necessary against Wales."
"Wales are a tough side to beat and our track record over here in the last few years is evidence of that," he said, with the Boks winless in Cardiff since 2013.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Who'll win battle for Springbok No 7 jersey for Wales Test?Kwagga Smith has played in the position this year, but Marco van Staden, Franco Mostert and Jasper Wiese are also in the squad.
Read more »
Springboks set for a titanic battle against Wales at Cardiff fortressSpringbok coach Jacques Nienaber expects the Welsh players to grow an extra arm and leg when they face his revamped team front of 75,000 adoring home fans at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.
Read more »
FIRST DRIVE | BAIC B40 Plus is China’s answer to the WranglerBAIC is a Chinese brand that started its SA operations back in 2016 and by 2018 had started assembling a semi-knocked down range of cars at its Gqeberha plant
Read more »
Who'll win battle for Springbok No 7 jersey for Wales Test?Kwagga Smith has played in the position this year, but Marco van Staden, Franco Mostert and Jasper Wiese are also in the squad.
Read more »
EFF made the most bizarre promise of this local government election campaignAs political parties wait for the results to start trickling in, internal party machinery will move into gear to start preparing for the next five years.
Read more »