Mapimpi returns as Springbok coach rings changes for England clash

Johannesburg – Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has made eight changes and two positional switches to his matchday squad to face England at Twickenham on Saturday in the final end-of-year tour clash, with a handful of South Africa ‘A’ players and Canan Moodie, who joined the team as reinforcements this week, getting a run.

Nienaber has made six changes to his starting team with Jesse Kriel (centre), Makazole Mapimpi (wing), Evan Roos (No.8) and Eben Etzebeth (lock) back in the mix, while Damian de Allende moves from outside centre to inside centre where he partners up with Kriel, and Kurt-Lee Arendse will start at right wing after playing on the left in Genoa.

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There were also four changes on the replacements bench, which will again feature the more traditional split of five forwards and three backs, with SA ‘A’ captain Thomas du Toit (prop), Marco van Staden (flanker), Jaden Hendrikse (scrumhalf) and Moodie being drafted in.

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This follows the unavailability of Cheslin Kolbe (wing), Andre Esterhuizen (centre), Cobus Reinach (scrumhalf), Jasper Wiese (No.8) and Vincent Koch (prop), who all returned to their clubs.

Four new players have been included in the #Springboks starting line-up for the final Test of 2022 at Twickenham – team announcement: https://t.co/XPMw7vg5pW 💪#StrongerTogether #StrongerForever #ENGvRSA pic.twitter.com/3UtyYPdIv0

— Springboks (@Springboks) November 22, 2022

Springbok team: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi, (capt), 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Thomas du Toit, Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith, Jaden Hendrikse, Mabnie Libbok, Canan Moodie.