Rugby Championship: Springboks lean on experience for historic 100th Test against All Blacks
Under pressure Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber is leaning on experience for Saturday's historic 100th Test against the All Blacks in Townsville.
Nienaber has made two changes to his starting lineup from the side beaten 30-17 by the Wallabies in Brisbane last weekend.
Concussed lock Lood de Jager is back for Marvin Orie while dynamic flanker Kwagga Smith gets the nod ahead of Franco Mostert as South Africa prepare for New Zealand's high speed style.
Stan Sport is the only place to watch every match of The Rugby Championship, continuing on Saturday with All Blacks vs Springboks and Wallabies vs Pumas - live, extended and ad free. Start your seven day free trial The Rugby Championship
Lood de Jager takes lineout ball against the All Blacks. Getty
There are also some interesting selections on the bench with experienced playmakers Elton Jantjies and Frans Steyn both included.
The world champions have slumped to second in the rankings after twin losses to the Wallabies, behind New Zealand and ahead of Australia.
"It's always a massive task to face the All Blacks," Nienaber said.
READ MORE: Key signing continues golden week for Wallabies
READ MORE: World champion team's stunning fall from grace
READ MORE: Horror tackle shocks rugby world
"They have skilful players who thrive on turnover ball and who know how to capitalise on point scoring opportunities, so we know that we need to a deliver a quality 80 minute performance against them to turn the corner after two disappointing defeats.
"Experience will be vital to ensure that we remain focused and calm throughout the match, and players such as Elton and Frans will bring that when they take the field.
"They have both played and won against the All Blacks, but they will also bring a set of different skills.
Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber fist pumps his captain Siya Kolisi. Getty
"Lood also boasts 51 Test caps, which will be valuable in this match, while has Kwagga has faced them before as well, which gives us a chance to give Franco a well deserved opportunity to be managed carefully this week after a physically taxing load since the season started.
"Both Elton and Frans have been training very well, they've also been in our structures for years and have performed well for the team in high pressure matches, so we are keen to see what dynamic they will bring to the game."
Superstar Cheslin Kolbe remains unavailable with a leg injury but Nienaber hoped the would be available for the rematch with New Zealand the following weekend.
South Africa need to beat the All Blacks with a bonus point to have any hope of lifting the Rugby Championship trophy.
"We are fully aware of the challenge that awaits us, and we know what we have to do to stay on the right side of the scoreboard this weekend – strong defence, accurate execution and capitalising on our point scoring chances will be key," Nienaber said.
"We also have to ensure we make minimal mistakes because the All Blacks have proved time and again how they punish teams from small errors, so we need to deliver an effective performance all around."
SPRINGBOKS (15-1): Willie le Roux, Sbu Nkosi, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk, Duane Vermeulen, Kwagga Smith, Siya Kolisi (c), Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Trevor Nyakane
Reserves: Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Franco Mostert, Marco van Staden, Herschel Jantjies, Elton Jantjies, Frans Steyn
