Stegmann handed Boks chance

Deon Stegmann will make his debut for the Springboks in Saturday's Test against Ireland at Dublin's Aviva Stadium.

World champions make eight changes for Dublin showdown

Flanker Deon Stegmann will make his debut for the Springboks in the opening leg of their Grand Slam tour against Ireland on Saturday. South Africa have been beset by injuries during the build-up to the Aviva Stadium clash, meaning there is also a chance that youngster Patrick Lambie could play if Jean de Villiers fails a late fitness test. The 20-year-old Sharks back is on stand-by in case the Western Province centre fails to overcome his groin problem. Coach Peter de Villiers has also named two uncapped players amongst the replacements, where Willem Alberts (calf) is bracketed with Keegan Daniel and Lambie with Lwazi Mvovo. In total, the team shows eight changes to the one which last played against Australia during the Tri-Nations, with Victor Matfield captaining the world champions in the absence of injured John Smit. Props Tendai Mtawarira and Bismarck du Plessis will make their first appearances of the season, while lock Bakkies Botha returns after suspension. But the big talking point is certainly at centre, where Zane Kirchner, who only has 10 caps to his name, could play alongside Lambie in one of the most untried pairing in recent Springbok memory.

Injuries

"It's a new-look side but with 13 season-ending injuries it couldn't be anything else," said de Villiers. "But we're looking on the positive side and this is a great opportunity to test some new players in the toughest conditions. "We also have a number of senior players returning to the team after long lay-offs for one reason or another and they are keen to re-stake their claim to a starting place. "We've not had much time to bed this new team together but the players have worked hard all week to be as well prepared as we possibly can be." Reflecting on Stegmann's selection, he added: "Deon is an open-side in the traditional style and has been outstanding for his province. "He is used to playing with Pierre (Spies) and we need an out and out specialist to counter Ireland at the breakdown." South Africa: 15 G Aplon, 14 B Basson, 13 Z Kirchner, 12 J de Villiers/P Lambie, 11 B Habana, 10 M Steyn, 9 R Pienaar; 1 T Mtawarira, 2 B du Plessis, 3 J du Plessis, 4 B Botha, 5 V Matfield, 6 D Stegmann, 7 J Smith, 8 P Spies
Replacements: 16 C Ralepelle, 17 CJ van der Linde,18 F van der Merwe, 19 W Alberts/K Daniel, 20 F Hougaard, 21 A Jacobs, 22 P Lambie/L Mvovo