Seven days on from their defeat by Leicester, South Africa will field a more familiar and formidable-looking line-up in Friday’s international against France in Toulouse.
Even so, the scar remains: all three players called up by the Springboks after losing last Friday’s front row to injury appear on the bench.
Many of those who appeared against the Lions in the summer are on display, among them Zane Kirchner, the full back who made a losing debut in the third international of the series. Kirchner is one of four changes from the side who clinched the Tri-Nations Series in September by beating New Zealand in Hamilton. He replaces François Steyn, now playing for Racing M?tro in Paris, while J-P Pietersen is on the wing in place of Odwa Ndungane.
After losing Jean de Villiers to Munster, Adi Jacobs returns at centre and Ryan Kankowski plays at No 8 after the withdrawal of the injured Pierre Spies. There is a further Irish connection on the bench: Wian du Preez, called up along with another Free State player, Adrian Strauss, has agreed a short-term contract with Munster once the tour is over, while Leinster have released the experienced C J van der Linde to play for his country.
Ireland and Australia name their teams today for Saturday’s clash at Croke Park, with Ireland awaiting the results of a fitness test on Jerry Flannery, the hooker, who has a calf injury. The front row will include Cian Healy, the Leinster prop likely to be given an extended run in the absence, probably until the new year, of Marcus Horan.
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Shane Horgan will captain Ireland A against Tonga in Belfast on Friday and Paul Hull has stood down as England Saxons’ backs coach to focus on his role as Bristol head coach.
South Africa: Z Kirchner; JP Pietersen, J Fourie, A Jacobs, B Habana; M Steyn, F du Preez; T Mtawarira, B bu Plessis, J Smit, J Botha, V Matfield, S Burger, H Brussow, R Kankowski. Replacements: A Strauss, W du Preez, CJ van der Linde, A Bekker, D Rossouw, R Pienaar, W Olivier.