Cheslin Kolbe returns to South Africa line-up
Willie Le Roux is back for South Africa
©PA
South Africa have named Cheslin Kolbe in the starting line-up for the upcoming round of the Rugby Championship clash against Australia to be played in Port Elizabeth.
This will be the first start for Kolbe in his third Test after he impressed in Springboks' 34-36 win over New Zealand in Wellington where he scored a second half try and he has been slotted at right wing with Jesse Kriel shifted to outside centre partnering with Andre Esterhuizen following injuries to Lukhanyo Am and Damian de Allende.
Tendai Mtawarira also returns to the starting XV and swaps place with Steven Kitshoff, who now moves to the bench.
There are also changes among the replacements with Damian Willemse taking Kolbe's place while Marco van Staden and Embrose Papier taking the positions of Francois Louw and Ross Cronje respectively.
“Cheslin has been very impressive since he joined the squad a few weeks ago and now he gets a deserved opportunity to start in a big Test,” said head coach Erasmus.
“The same applies for Notshe, who did very well in the role of impact player during the English series. He has kept on working hard and he deserves his opportunity in the starting team.
“The inclusion of ‘Beast’ in the front row is a straight swap for Steven and Jesse returns to outside centre, a position where he has played most of his Test rugby, next to André, who started in four Tests already this year.”
South Africa line-up: Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, André Esterhuizen, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Handré Pollard, Faf de Klerk, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (c), Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Embrose Papier, Elton Jantjies, Damian Willemse
