South Africa duo Faf De Klerk and Pieter-Steph Du Toit ruled out of Lions Test
The Springboks levelled the series by winning the second Test 27-9.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Influential South Africa duo Faf De Klerk and Pieter-Steph Du Toit have been ruled out of Saturday’s series decider against the British and Irish Lions due to injury.
Scrum-half De Klerk has a muscle strain and has been replaced by Cobus Reinach, while flanker Du Toit sustained a shoulder problem in Saturday’s second Test.
Franco Mostert will switch to the back row to take the number seven jersey vacated by 2019 world player of the year Du Toit, with Lood De Jager coming in at lock.
Aside from those two personnel changes, head coach Jacques Nienaber has kept faith with the team which started last weekend’s 27-9 victory, which levelled the series.
World Cup-winning number eight Duane Vermeulen does not make the matchday squad after joining the Springboks camp following an ankle injury and prop Ox Nche again misses out due to a neck issue.
Centre Damian De Allende will win his 50th Test cap in Cape Town while replacement Morne Steyn could make his first international appearance in almost five years.
Fly-half Steyn, who has not appeared for the Springboks since a 57-15 loss to New Zealand in October 2016, takes De Jager’s place on an otherwise-unchanged bench.
“This is a massive Test for us with the series on the line, so it was important for us to maintain consistency in selection following last week’s performance,” coach Nienaber said in a statement.
“Pieter-Steph Du Toit was ruled out due to the shoulder injury he suffered last week, but we are fortunate to have experienced players such as Franco and Lood who can step in and who have the physical presence we need in those roles.
“Cobus is also an experienced player with a calm head and who can handle pressure, and we believe he will be able to dictate play well alongside Handre Pollard.
“This group of players are among a handful of players in the history of South African rugby that have an opportunity to clinch a series against the Lions after winning the Rugby World Cup, and every player in this squad understands what a rare honour that is.
“I don’t think one needs any more motivation than that to win this weekend. We are preparing for a physical encounter and we know that every small battle will count if we want to win the series.”