KOBE, Japan — Newly-arrived Damian Willemse will start at full-back after South Africa made 13 changes for their Rugby World Cup Pool B clash against Canada in Kobe on Tuesday, where victory will seal a quarterfinal place for the Springboks.
Willemse was an injury replacement for centre Jesse Kriel, but has been selected in the No. 15 jersey in a back three that includes Warrick Gelant and Sbu Nkosi on the wings.
“Damian probably would have made the World Cup squad if he wasn’t injured, but is match-fit now having played two games for [English club] Saracens,” Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus said on Sunday.
“He is much more comfortable at 15 and knows our systems, while Warrick has played wing before.”
Damian de Allende and Frans Steyn make up the midfield pairing, while Elton Jantjies takes over at fly-half and will want an improved performance after a sloppy showing in the 57-3 mauling of Namibia in their second pool match. He will be partnered by Cobus Reinach at scrumhalf.
Captain Siya Kolisi has been retained at flank to get more game-time after an injury-ravaged season, while Kwagga Smith is on the opposite side of the scrum and Francois Louw at number eight.
“You have to make sure a guy strikes form and maintains form when you get to the important games of the World Cup,” Erasmus said of the decision to keep Kolisi in the line-up.
“We are happy he is peaking. Last weekend [against Italy] he was excellent, and another game like that going into quarterfinals will do him the world of good.”
Franco Mostert and R.G. Snyman are the two locks, Vincent Koch and Thomas du Toit pack down in the front row at prop, with Schalk Brits at hooker.
“A four-day turnaround between Tests is a challenge, but we had planned for it and will be well prepared,” Erasmus said.
“This match is just as important as the three that we have already played; it has the same number of log points available and the same impact on our chances of qualifying, and we have to now complete the job.
“There are a number of new combinations in our team but we have been together for several weeks now and everyone understands our game plan and strategies.
“The nice thing is that at the end of the match every member of the squad will have started a Rugby World Cup match.”
Springboks team to play Canada in Rugby World Cup Pool B
Damian Willemse, Warrick Gelant, Damian de Allende, Francois Steyn, Sbu Nkosi, Elton Jantjies, Cobus Reinach, Francois Louw, Kwagga Smith, Siya Kolisi (captain), Franco Mostert, R.G. Snyman, Vincent Koch, Schalk Brits, Thomas Du Toit
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, -Herschel Jantjies, Handre Pollard, Willie le Roux.