Springboks: Ox Nche misses Wales Test as Rassie Erasmus alters his starting XV and releases five players
Springboks props Ox Nche and Wilco Louw.
Rassie Erasmus has made a change to his Springboks team to face Wales after announcing his matchday squad on Tuesday for the Autumn Nations Series clash at the Principality Stadium.
Loosehead prop Ox Nche was set to retain his starting position despite sustaining a cut above his knee, which curtailed his game against England.
However, Erasmus has changed his mind with the in-form prop dropping out of the matchday 23, resulting in a front-row reshuffle as Wilco Louw earns his second cap of the year.
Ox Nche rested for Wales clash
Thomas du Toit was originally named as the starting tighthead but he will switch to the loosehead side of the scrum with Johan Grobbelaar in between the two props.
Erasmus and his coaching team have decided that while Nche was fit to feature against Warren Gatland’s side, it would be best for the player to be rested this weekend instead.
“Ox has been a key player for us this season and, given his high work-rate over the last few months, we opted to rest him for this clash,” said Erasmus.
“Wilco started last week’s match, and he’s been training well this week, so it makes sense to include him in the starting team and move Thomas to loosehead prop.
“It also maintains the consistency we have in the front row among the replacements.”
Louw will now earn his 15th Test cap for the Springboks and second this year after last featuring in the green and gold in 2021.
Meanwhile, Erasmus has also confirmed that five players have been released from the squad to return home and spend time with their families before returning to their respective clubs and franchises.
Utility forward Pieter-Steph du Toit, who is nursing a shoulder niggle, returned home on Monday, while the other four players returning home are Kwagga Smith, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen and Makazole Mapimpi.
“We gave a few players who are not playing the option to remain in camp or return home to spend quality time with their families, while at the same time ensuring that we have enough depth in the squad to cover all the positions in case we suffer injuries before the match,” said Erasmus.
“So, we are confident that we all well covered in the event that anything should happen before the game.”
Updated Springboks team to face Wales
South Africa: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Thomas du Toit
Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 RG Snyman, 21 Cameron Hanekom, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Handre Pollard
Date: Saturday, November 23
Venue: Principality Stadium
Kick-off: 17:40 GMT
Referee: Karl Dickson (RFU)
Assistant Referees: Christophe Ridley (RFU), Damian Schneider (UAR)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (RFU)
