Pieter-Steph du Toit returns as South Africa change two for Italy
Thursday 23 November 2017 15:21, UK
Pieter-Steph du Toit returns from concussion for South Africa's revenge mission with Italy on Saturday while Bongi Mbonambi makes his first start.
Flanker Du Toit was forced to sit out last week's 18-17 victory over France in Paris after suffering concussion in the record 38-3 humbling by Ireland a week earlier.
Lineout specialist Du Toit comes back into the team in place of Siya Kolisi, who is unavailable due to the birth of his second child.
Mbonambi makes his first start after 12 caps off the bench in place of Malcolm Marx, who has a shoulder injury.
"We decided not to risk Malcolm, which means Bongi will get a well-deserved first start in the No 2 jersey," said Coetzee.
"Bongi has worked hard and I have no doubt he will grab this opportunity with both hands."
Chiliboy Ralepelle replaces Mbonambi on the bench with uncapped back Warrick Gelant preferred to Damian de Allende amongst the replacements.
"Warrick is in good form and his work-rate during training has been impressive," said Coetzee.
"I know he will add value and I am very excited for the possibility of seeing him in action."
South Africa: 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Ross Cronje; 1 Tendai Mtawarira, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 3 Wilco Louw, 4 Eben Etzebeth (c), 5 Lood de Jager, 6 Francois Louw, 7 Pieter Steph du Toit, 8 Duane Vermeulen.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Dan du Preez, 21 Rudy Paige, 22 Elton Jantjies, 23 Warrick Gelant.
