Boks make five changes for final Test against England
Full-back Warrick Gelant is one of five players to come into the side for South Africa
©PA
South Africa have made five changes for the third Test against England in Cape Town on Saturday.
The Springboks, who wrapped up the series last week following a 23-12 victory in Bloemfontein, have selected hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle, fly-half Elton Jantjies, centres Andre Esterhuizen and Jesse Kriel and Warrick Gelant at 15.
Sharks forward Ralepelle has replaced Bongi Mbonambi who has not been named amongst the 23 by head coach Rassie Erasmus. Akker van der Merwe is also not in the squad, but former Saracens hooker Schalk Brits is on the bench.
Scrum-half Handre Pollard will join Brits and Wasps full-back Willie le Roux as a replacement while backs Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am miss out completely.
Other than Ralepelle, the Boks have named the same pack with flanker Siya Kolisi captaining the side.
"No one is out of the team because of a lack of form, the changes are due to our long-term planning for next year's Rugby World Cup as we continue to build squad depth and capacity," Erasmus said.
"The series might be won but we still have an important Test match on Saturday, against a very determined English side who will be looking to end the series on a high.
"I expect a very physical and close-fought game. We are desperate to win and make it 3-0 while England will be desperate to win the game, make it 2-1 and finish their tour on a positive note."
South Africa: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 S'busiso Nkosi, 13 Jessie Kriel, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Faf de Klerk; 1 Tendai Mtawarira, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 3 Frans Malherbe, 4 RG Snyman, 5 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Duane Vermeulen.
Replacements: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Jean-Luc du Plessis, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Handre Pollard, 23 Willie le Roux.
