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Tri-Nations

Springboks to ring the changes

2011-08-15 22:12
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Victor Matfield and John Smit (Gallo Images)
Cape Town - Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is expected to spring a surprise or two when he names his side to take on the All Blacks in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

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Earlier reports on Monday suggested that captain John Smit will be ready to play on Saturday, but reports emanating from the Boks' training ground suggest that Victor Matfield will in all likelihood captain the side.

Smit is expected to take a breather.

The decision not to play Smit is not because of his apparent elbow injury - the Boks already decided at their planning meeting on 4 May that Smit will sit out this Test.

"John's elbow is fine. The rumours about his injury was just that - rumours," De Villiers told Die Burger newspaper.

Bismarck du Plessis will then slot in at hooker, with Chiliboy Ralepelle coming in on the bench.

It also seems likely that Patrick Lambie will play at fullback ahead of Gio Aplon.

De Villiers could also surprise by picking loose forward Willem Alberts, with Danie Rossouw playing from the bench.

Other changes to the starting XV could see Morné Steyn play ahead of Butch James at flyhalf, while Gurthrö Steenkamp may also play at loosehead prop ahead of Tendai Mtawarira.

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