RUGBY NEWS - A first test start for Dillyn Leyds and Francois Louw’s inclusion in the back row are two of the four changes to the Springbok squad to face the Wallabies in Saturday’s important Castle Lager Rugby Championship match in Bloemfontein.
The experienced flanker is set to earn his 53rd test cap for the Springboks at the Toyota Stadium, while Leyds will make his fourth appearance and first start on the wing, in place of Raymond Rhule.
Scrumhalf Ross Cronje is over his illness that forced him to withdraw from the New Zealand test in Albany, while hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle has been included in the match 23 for the first time since the home test against Italy in June 2013. The experienced Cell C Sharks hooker got the nod over Bongi Mbonambi, who played off the bench in the previous seven tests this year.
According to Coetzee, the inclusion of the seasoned Louw will be valuable to the team.
“Francois showed this week that he is in a great condition and he brings a lot of experience to the team,” said Coetzee.
“I believe his strength is playing towards the ball, and he is renowned for making good decisions at the defensive breakdown. As a result Jean-Luc moves back to the bench, from where he can make a telling impact.”
On Leyds’ inclusion, Coetzee said: “It’s now the right time to give Dillyn a starting opportunity as I know what I have in Raymond. “Dillyn has played consistently well in the Currie Cup and deserves a chance. Raymond stays part of our plan and will join up with the squad next week in Cape Town again.”
Cronje takes over the scrumhalf duties from Francois Hougaard, who started against New Zealand, while Rudy Paige will provide No 9 cover off the bench.
