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Combrinck offers Boks kicking option

Cape Town - Ruan Combrinck's man-of-the-match performance against Ireland at Johannesburg a week ago was the perfect debut. 

Coming off the bench with the Boks 19-3 down, Combrinck was explosive with ball in hand as he scored a try and sparked the Springbok revival that kept the series alive. 

After that dream start to his international career it was always going to be hard for coach Allister Coetzee to leave Combrinck out of his starting XV for Saturday's decider in Port Elizabeth. 

Lwazi Mvovo is the man who misses out after looking off the pace in the first half at Ellis Park.

And while the reasons for selecting Combrinck appear obvious, Coetzee revealed at Thursday's team announcement that it was more than just the Lions speedster's spark that had earned him a start. 

"Bringing Ruan Combrinck into the team gives us another right-footed kicker which we don’t have with Faf, Elton and Willie le Roux at the back," said Coetzee.

"It’s noted that Ireland have been kicking down that left-hand side, so Combrinck gives us that right foot option and brings us an additional goal-kicker from 50m out.

"On top of that, he has shown great form last week."

Coetzee added that Combrinck's inclusion in the starting line-up was easier to justify because of the news that flyhalf Pat Lambie - right-footed - was ruled out of the third Test. 

Combrinck has been in lethal form for the Lions this season, scoring six tries in 12 appearances.

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