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Cape Town - Springbok coach Allister Coetzee believes his team has prepared well this week for what he expects to be a tough encounter against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
READ: Gelant, Du Preez set to start for Boks
Coetzee named his team for the fixture on Thursday afternoon with Warrick Gelant and Dan du Preez set to start for the first time in a Bok jersey.
Steven Kitshoff starts at prop in place of the injured Tendai Mtawarira and Malcolm Marx also returns from injury at hooker.
Siya Kolisi was named by Coetzee at flank after missing the match against Italy for the birth of his second child.
“We expect another gruelling contest against a strong Welsh team,” said Coetzee.
“It is another opportunity for this side to develop and grow, playing at the Principality Stadium in front of a passionate crowd of more than 65,000. It will be a different challenge altogether this week – Wales are renowned for their passing game and their width on attack.”
Regarding the shuffles in his team, the Bok coach said: “Dan gets the chance to start and he fits into the plan for Saturday.
“Warrick is an elusive runner, he used his opportunity last week and I am looking forward to see him getting a start on Saturday.
“It is great to welcome Malcolm back, however, Bongi did a superb job against Italy and I expect the same performance from him when he comes on later in the game.”
The battle for lineout possession will again be a key factor on Saturday, and in this regard Coetzee said: “I decided to select two loose forwards onto the bench because Pieter-Steph du Toit can cover lock, while Oupa and Uzair each have a skills set that can fit into different roles when needed.”
