South African coach Jacques Nienaber has made 14 changes to his team for the Rugby World Cup Pool B match against Romania on Sunday in Bordeaux. Damian Willemse is the only survivor of the 18-3 victory against Scotland.
Willemse moves from fullback to flyhalf and will take care of the goalscoring duties, while Nienaber has included all four of his scrumhalves in the 23-man roster. Cobus Reinach starts with number nine, while the electric Grant Williams will play on the wing. Jaden Hendrikse and Faf de Klerk are on the bench.
Canan Moodie, returning from injury, will be at center, while second row Jean Kleyn, recovered from injury, will also start. The team will be led by hooker Bongi Mbonambi, captain.
Note that right pillar Vincent Koch will have his first start, having already entered the game 27 times!
The composition of the Springboks:
15 – Red Willie
14 – Grant Williams
13 – Canan Moodie
12 – Andre Esterhuizen
11 – Makazole Mapimpi
10 – Damian Willemse
9 – Cobus Reinach
8 – Duane Vermeulen
7 – Kwagga Smith
6 – Marco van Staden
5 – Marvin Orie
4 – Jean Klein
3 – Vincent Koch
2 – Bongi Mbonambi
1 – Ox Guard
Finishers:
16 – Deon Fourie
17 – Steven Kitshoff
18 – Trevor Nyakane
19 – RG Snyman
20 – Jasper Wiese
21 – Jaden Hendrikse
22 – Faf de Clerk
23 – Jesse Kriel