South Africa have made two changes to their
starting line-up for Saturday's trip to Murrayfield to face Scotland in
their autumn Test series.
France-based prop Gurthro Steenkamp
comes in to replace CJ van der Linde to mark his first game for the
Springboks in over a year, while Juan de Jongh plays instead of Jaco
Taute at outside centre.Van der Linde, who drops to the bench along with Taute, only replaced Tendai Mtawarira at loosehead just before last week's game in Ireland - and Mtawarira has now returned home after suffering heart problems.
"It's great to have Gurthro back," said South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer. "Gurthro is experienced, knows the conditions well and is looking forward to returning to the green and gold."
"Juan is in a similar position. Even though he's played in a number of Tests for us this year, he's not started for the Boks since last year's away leg of the Tri-Nations against New Zealand in Wellington."
Meyer has decided against resting skipper Jean de Villiers and he continues at inside centre, while fly-half Pat Lambie gets another chance and keeps Morne Steyn warming the bench.
The Springboks came from 12-3 down to win 16-12 in Dublin last week and are bracing themselves for another tough test against Andy Robinson's Scotland on Saturday.
The Scots won the last meeting 21-17 two years ago at Murrayfield, and although they were beaten 51-22 by New Zealand last week they did manage three tries against the All Blacks, which is the most the world champions have conceded in a game all year.
"We saw the match between Scotland and New Zealand and that the Scots scored three tries against the All Blacks - which is more than any other team has managed against them this year," Meyer added.
"It was their first Test back since their season started and they will not be an easy opponent on Saturday, but we've also brushed off some cobwebs in Dublin and have had a good week on the training field.
"We lost on our last visit to Edinburgh and realise Saturday will be a massive battle, but it's one we are looking forward to."
South Africa: Zane Kirchner, JP Pietersen, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers (captain), Francois Hougaard, Pat Lambie, Ruan Pienaar; Duane Vermeulen, Willem Alberts, Francois Louw, Juandre Kruger, Eben Etzebeth, Jannie du Plessis, Adriaan Strauss, Gurthro Steenkamp. Reserves: Schalk Brits, Heinke van der Merwe, CJ van der Linde, Flip van der Merwe, Marcell Coetzee, Morne Steyn, Jaco Taute, Lwazi Mvovo.
http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/15177/8247519/South-Africa-makes-two-changes-in-starting-line-up-to-play-Scotland-at-Murrayfield
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