South Africa make two changes for Bloemfontein Test
Rassie Erasmus is expecting a tough fight from England
©PA
South Africa have made two changes to the starting line-up for the second Test against England scheduled in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Prop Wilco Louw has been rested and has been replaced by Frans Malherbe, who makes a return after a lengthy rehabilitation period. There is also a return for Pieter-Steph du Toit, who takes the place of Jean-Luc du Preez with the latter moving to the bench.
Saturday's encounter will also turn out to be a special one for prop Tendai Mtawarira as he is set to make his 100th appearance for the Springboks.
The 32-year-old made his debut for South Africa in June 2008 and helped them to a 2-1 series win over British and Irish Lions during the 2009 series. He has also represented the Boks in 2011 and 2015 World Cup.
"Much like a typical front rower, 'Beast' is not someone who likes the spotlight," said head coach Rassie Erasmus about the 6ft prop.
"However, his contribution to Springbok rugby during the past decade has been enormous and I want to congratulate him on reaching 100 Test caps for South Africa.
"It is a special achievement and while he deserves the accolades, I know he will be totally focussed on the most important job, and that is to face an extremely determined England side on Saturday in Bloem."
Erasmus also expects a strong response from England especially after their 42-39 defeat in the opening game in Johannesburg.
"England is a powerful side and I know Eddie Jones will have his team super prepared for Saturday," said Erasmus.
"They will no doubt want to bounce back to level the series, so it's going to be another huge Test of our resolve and character."
South Africa line-up: Willie le Roux, S'bu Nkosi, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Handré Pollard, Faf de Klerk, Beast Mtawarira, Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe, RG Snyman, Franco Mostert, Siya Kolisi (c), Pieter-Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen.
Replacements: Akker van der Merwe, Steven Kitshoff, Thomas du Toit, Sikumbuzo Notshe, Jean-Luc du Preez, Ivan van Zyl, Jesse Kriel, Warrick Gelant.
