Head coach Jacques Nienaber is excited to unleash a Springbok match-day 23 primed to kick off their World Cup title defence with victory against Scotland on Sunday.
Nienaber made four changes to the Bok starting lineup that beat the All Blacks in London almost two weeks ago, while utility back Canan Moodie and lock Jean Kleyn were not considered for selection due to hamstring and knee niggles, respectively.
Scrumhalf Faf de Klerk will play in his 50th Test in the Boks’ opener in Marseille, with Nienaber opting for the world champions’ familiar six-two split on the replacements bench.
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“We are pleased with the squad depth we have built in the last few months, and we believe this group of players strikes the right balance to achieve the result we need against Scotland,” said Nienaber.
“We are very excited about this occasion. We’ve been building for this World Cup for the last four years and we are thrilled to get our campaign started.
“We’ve been working hard in the last few weeks to make sure we are as prepared as possible going into this match and we are fully aware of the challenge that awaits us.”
The Boks have only played Scotland twice since Nienaber and Rassie Erasmus took over the coaching reins in 2018 – a 26-20 victory in 2018 and a 30-15 win in 2021, both in Edinburgh.
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“Scotland are a quality team with a strong pack and skilful backs, and they play with a lot of intensity, so we need to be sharp on attack and defence on Sunday,” the Bok coach said.
“They have proved in the last few seasons that they can beat any team, and with this being the opening game of the World Cup for both sides, they will be equally as charged up as us for the match.”
De Klerk, a 2019 World Cup winner, reaching his career milestone this weekend, Nienaber added: “Earning 50 Test caps is a massive achievement and to mark that feat in the opening game of the Rugby World Cup makes it very special.
“Faf has been a key member of our team for a few years, so we are delighted for him. Needless to say, we’re all focused on making sure it’s a memorable occasion for him and the rest of us.”
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