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De Klerk back as South Africa look to snap barren run in Australia / Photo: © AFP
De Klerk back as South Africa look to snap barren run in Australia
South Africa recalled scrumhalf Faf de Klerk and winger Warrick Gelant Monday in the only changes to the starting team as they strive to snap a nine-year winless streak in Australia.
The world champions head into their clash at Adelaide Oval Saturday on the back of a 35-23 home loss to New Zealand, having stunned the All Blacks 26-10 in their Rugby Championship opener.
Australia will also run out after tasting defeat, embarrassed 48-17 by Argentina a week after beating them 41-26. The Wallabies name their team on Thursday.
"This is a very important clash for us to set the tone for our Rugby Championship tour and we feel that continuity in selection is important to build momentum in our campaign," said head coach Jacques Nienaber.
De Klerk returns after missing the second All Blacks Test due to concussion and will earn his 40th cap in place of Jaden Hendrikse, while Racing 92 flyer Gelant takes over from Jesse Kriel.
Right wing has been a problem position for the Springboks this season with first choice Cheslin Kolbe breaking his jaw against Wales last month.
The Toulon speedster has been ruled out until the final match of the southern hemisphere tournament, against Argentina in Durban on September 24.
Kurt-Lee Arendse replaced him for the opening New Zealand Test but was sent off and banned for four internationals. Kriel took over for the second clash, but lasted just 10 minutes before being injured.
"Warrick was in good form for the DHL Stormers earlier this season and he has been working hard at training, so we thought it would be good to give him a run on the wing," said Nienaber.
"Faf, meanwhile, is back from concussion and his experience will be important in this game."
Nienaber made three changes to the bench, which features five forwards and three backs, with Jaden Hendrikse in for Herschel Jantjies. Elton Jantjies and Frans Steyn will provide cover at the back with Willie le Roux and Jasper Wiese missing out.
Australia has not been a happy hunting ground for the Springboks, losing six of the last seven Tests on the Wallabies home territory and drawing the other.
They have not won on Australian soil since 2013, but have two chances to break the drought with the Adelaide Test followed a week later by a clash in Sydney.
Team (15-1)
Damian Willemse; Warrick Gelant, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi; Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk; Duane Vermeulen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (capt); Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth; Frans Malherbe, Joseph Dweba, Ox Nche
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Jaden Hendrikse, Elton Jantjies, Frans Steyn.
A. Bogdanow--BTZ
