Eben Etzebeth will make an instant return to the South Africa starting side against England after suspension, with Manie Libbok trusted by the Springboks at fly half.
Etzebeth was handed a long ban after being sent for an eye gouge in his last Test against Wales, and has featured only once since for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship.
But Rassie Erasmus has immediately thrown his most-capped player back into the second row alongside Ruan Nortje as South Africa begin their Nations Championship campaign in Johannesburg.
With Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu sidelined by injury, Libbok is preferred to Handre Pollard at fly half, while Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse win their 50th caps in the back three.
Siya Kolisi captains a familiar-looking side full of World Cup winners with Erasmus looking forward to an encounter with an England side arriving at Ellis Park on a run of four consecutive Six Nations defeats.
Etzebeth was handed a long ban after being sent for an eye gouge in his last Test against Wales, and has featured only once since for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship.
But Rassie Erasmus has immediately thrown his most-capped player back into the second row alongside Ruan Nortje as South Africa begin their Nations Championship campaign in Johannesburg.
With Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu sidelined by injury, Libbok is preferred to Handre Pollard at fly half, while Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse win their 50th caps in the back three.
Siya Kolisi captains a familiar-looking side full of World Cup winners with Erasmus looking forward to an encounter with an England side arriving at Ellis Park on a run of four consecutive Six Nations defeats.
3 months ago
