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Rugby union: South Africa keep changes to a minimum for trip to Italy

By Allsports.com.gh
Sports News Rugby union: South Africa keep changes to a minimum for trip to Italy
NOV 21, 2014 LISTEN

The Springboks coach has opted to make just four changes to his starting XV from last weekend's hard-fought victory over England for the clash in Padova.

In the front row, Trevor Nyakane and Coenie Oosthuizen come into to replace Tendai Mtawarira and the injured Jannie du Plessis, while Teboho Mohoje comes in at flank in the place of Schalk Burger.

The other switch sees Willie le Roux moves to the bench to give Johan Goosen a run at full-back.

Meyer has opted to make five alterations to his substitute options, with debutants Nizaam Carr and Julian Redelinghuys both set to get some game time.

"I'm excited to see what these guys can do on Saturday in what will be a stern Test against a fired-up Italy," Meyer said.

"We planned to make a few shifts for this Test as I'd like to see if these players can make the step up.

"The guys coming in deserve their opportunities and seeing that we won"t have our overseas-based players available next week against Wales, it made sense to bring a few of them in this week."

Meyer also pointed out that Italy will pose a different set of challenges to what his team had faced on tour so far.

"They are a passionate nation with a very experienced coach in Jacques Brunel and a world-class captain in Sergio Parisse, said Meyer.

"The Italian pack is always formidable and their backs are not scared of taking chances.

"Our focus is to show improvements from our performance at Twickenham and we know it will be a big challenge on Saturday."

Meyer's opposite number Brunel, meanwhile, has made just one change to his starting line-up for Saturday's Test.

Fijian-born Samuela Vunisa will make his Test debut at openside flank, replacing Simone Favaro.

History is very much against Brunel's men, as they have never beaten the Springboks in 11 previous meetings.

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