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BUSINESS NEWS - When the team news for South Africa in their battle in the second Test with Wales came out, few would have predicted that the home side would have made such swathing changes.
In total, there were 14 changes to the South African side for the second Test against Wales.
These changes came despite the home team picking up a victory in the first Test, with the 39–32 victory a pulsating one, but a match they will regard as far too close.
All of these changes will have been designed to bring a fresh perspective to the side, while it will also be a public show to their players that nobody is safe. The likes of captain Siya Kolisi, Faf de Klerk and Cheslin Kolbe, all poster-boys of the South African team, were all cut mercilessly, giving each player in the new squad a huge chance to prove themselves this weekend.
While the new squad will be under an intense spotlight in this one, who are the three you should keep an eye out for in a game top bookmakers are making the Springboks firm favourites for?
Handre Pollard
Handre Pollard is given the honour of being captain for the second Test, but this is a dubious one considering he replaces Kolisi, and now simply has to lead his side to a powerful win over Wales or he will likely suffer the same fate as the regular captain.
Pollard’s importance to the side is huge. As captain, he must lead the side through word and action, with the exploits of Dan Biggar and Kolisi in the first Test showing the worst side of rugby as the two captains had their conduct questioned by some fans.
Pollard will also have to try to ensure he is far better than outgoing 10 Elton Jantjies who was lambasted by the press following the hard-fought win. His woeful performance with ball in hand and his tactical struggles playing in midfield meant the South African side were unable to really get going.
Unfortunately for Jantjies, his temperament is always under the spotlight, and it seems he has become a victim of this. Pollard will look to provide solidity with the boot and a consistent presence then, with it likely his experience proving vital in a team that has less experience in comparison to the side they are replacing.
Eben Etzebeth
The only survivor from the first Test, Eben Etzebeth will nab his 99th Test cap in this match and he will hope it comes in a big win for the world champions. The goliath of a player was in fantastic form last weekend as he took the game to Wales.
His physical game is only one element of the player. Technically, he is incredibly gifted, and he put all of this on display against Wales. His experience in the second-row will be massive as he looks to ensure that Wales are knocked backwards both defensively and on the floor. A lot depends on his power and experience, and he will likely have a major role to play in ensuring that Wales are not given quick ball from the floor.
Jaden Hendrikse
What a time to step in for the scrum-half. Despite the major fanfare around De Klerk at nine, he struggled in the last match. De Klerk may be suffering from some rustiness, but this was no excuse for what was a long way short of the level many have come to expect from the mercurial talent.
Jaden Hendrikse comes into the team looking to make a name for himself, with the 22-year-old Sharks star in with a great chance of taking the scrum-half position for the Springboks. Quick ball in this game is vital. When South Africa were able to make metres through the middle, suck players into the tackle and then move the ball out wide, they gave Wales problems. This is why the nine being on the scene at a ruck quickly will be pivotal in this one.
Hendrikse will be tasked with ensuring that the ball is fired out quickly and accurately to his teammates, while his box kicking game will likely also be put under the spotlight too. With so much on the line in the second Test, Hendrikse’s input in this one could be vital.
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