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Springboks make three changes for crucial second Lions Test

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Roar Guru
27th July, 2021
20
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South Africa have made three changes for the crucial second Test against the British and Irish Lions.

South Africa have made three changes, including a full debut for Leicester No.8 Jasper Wiese, for the crucial second Test against the British and Irish Lions.

Head coach Jacques Nienaber has reacted to the 22-17 defeat at Cape Town Stadium last Saturday by replacing the ineffectual Kwagga Smith with Wiese, who came on as a replacement against Georgia on July 2.

And there are two adjustments to the front row with only hooker Bongi Mbonambi surviving as the Springboks give starts to props Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe.

Ox Nche, one the starting props for the first Test, has been ruled out by a neck problem but Mbonambi continues after recovering from a hamstring issue.

South Africa have opted for a six-two split on the bench, which includes Saracens tighthead Vincent Koch. Marco van Staden takes over from Rynhardt Elstadt as back row cover alongside Smith.

“This is a massive game for us – it’s do or die in order to stay in the race to win the series,” Nienaber said.

“We have selected a team that offers continuity in selection, but also one that we thought would be the best suited to achieve the objectives we have set for this match.

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“We disappointed ourselves last week and we all know how important it is to bounce back with a strong performance and show our fighting spirit and pride as a team and nation.”

© AAP

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