November 25, 2017 – Padova, Italy – South Africa Captain Eben Etzebeth with the teammates during the national anthem during the Rugby test match between Italy and South Africa at Plebiscito Stadium in Padova, Italy on November 25, 2017. (Credit Image: © Matteo Ciambelli/NurPhoto via ZUMA Press)
Springboks: Eben Etzebeth handed armband for Rugby Championship opener
Rassie Erasmus has named three debutants in his Springbok team to face Australia on Saturday, with Eben Etzebeth containing the side.
November 25, 2017 – Padova, Italy – South Africa Captain Eben Etzebeth with the teammates during the national anthem during the Rugby test match between Italy and South Africa at Plebiscito Stadium in Padova, Italy on November 25, 2017. (Credit Image: © Matteo Ciambelli/NurPhoto via ZUMA Press)
Stormers lock Eben Etzebeth will take on captaincy duties in Siya Kolisi’s absence, as the Springboks kick off their Rugby Championship campaign against the Wallabies at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The Boks face the men from Down Under in what is their only home fixture in the competition for 2019, and will do so without their regular skipper, who is recovering from a knee injury.
With Kolisi yet to return, his Super Rugby teammate assumes captaincy duties, as he leads a team consisting of three debutants.
Stormers scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies starts alongside Toulouse flanker Rynhardt Elstadt, while Bulls prop Lizo Gqoboka is on the bench.
Returning to the fold is Bulls fullback Warren Gelant, who forms an exciting back three with Sharks wingers S’bu Nkosi and Makazole Mapimpi.
André Esterhuizen pairs up with Jesse Kriel in the midfield, with veteran Francois Steyn waiting on the bench, while Elton Jantjies starts at flyhalf.
Another player back from the wilderness is lock Lood de Jager, who slots in the second row after spending much of the current season recovering from injury.
The matchday 23 also consists of replacement scrumhalf Cobus Reinach and flanker Marcell Coetzee, who feature for the first time under Rassie Erasmus.
“We want to win the Castle Lager Rugby Championship and we have a specific plan, which starts Saturday with the first Test against the Wallabies,” said Erasmus .
“We have planned to mix things up in the first two Tests of the season, in order to give game time to as many of the players in our wider squad, and we believe this is the right combination to face a very good and competitive Australian side.
“We are excited for the forthcoming year and I want to congratulate Rynhardt, Herschel and Lizo on their first inclusion in a Springbok match-day squad, while the leadership role is not something new for Eben. The build-up has been good and there is definitely a very good vibe for match.
“Australia have prepared very well for this match and they have spent two weeks at altitude to acclimatise to the Highveld, so we are in for a great contest.”
Rassie Erasmus
Springbok team to face Australia on Saturday, 20 July
Backs: Warrick Gelant, S’bu Nkosi, Jesse Kriel, André Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Elton Jantjies.
Forwards: Francois Louw, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Rynhardt Elstadt, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth (captain), Trevor Nyakane, Bongi Mbonambi, Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: Schalk Brits, Lizo Gqoboka, Vincent Koch, Marvin Orie, Marcell Coetzee, Cobus Reinach, Frans Steyn, Dillyn Leyds.
