Whiteley ruled out of France clash

Springbok captain Warren Whiteley has been withdrawn from the team to face France at Ellis Park on Saturday because of a groin injury.

Vice-captain, Eben Etzebeth, will now lead the Springboks in the third and final Series match in Johannesburg.

Whiteley has been managed throughout the series for his groin strain that he aggravated on Thursday after a line-out session, and it was decided to send him for a scan on Friday. The scan showed he aggravated the initial strain and it was therefore decided not to risk with him.

“Warren is indeed a big loss for us. However, our preparations this week went very well and hasn’t been disrupted,” explained Springbok coach Allister Coetzee.

The withdrawal of Whiteley, who has led the Boks to triumphs in the previous two meetings between the sides, has resulted in a couple of personnel changes in the Springbok match 23.

Jean-Luc du Preez moves from the side of the scrum to fill the number eight position, while flanker Jaco Kriel is elevated from the bench into the starting team. Lood de Jager (lock) now comes onto the substitute bench as one of the forward reserves.

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