The Springboks have received a massive boost ahead of their Rugby World Cup final rematch against the All Blacks this weekend after star lock Eben Etzebeth miraculously recovered from a knee injury and has been cleared to play in round 3 of the Rugby Championship.
The 32-year-old enforcer was initially left out of the Springboks’ match-day 23 squad that was earlier named this week.
Etzebeth will provide specialist lock cover for Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ruan Nortje in his 125th test and if he steps onto the pitch he will overtake Bryan Habana as the second most capped Springbok.
Sunday’s match will be the first meeting between the Springboks and the All Blacks since South Africa beat them in the final of the Rugby World Cup last October.
The All Blacks will name their team this afternoon.
The Springboks host the All Blacks at 3am Sunday at Ellis Park.
Springboks: Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach, Jasper Wiese, Ben-Jason Dixon, Siya Kolisi (capt), Ruan Nortje, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche.
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Eben Etzebeth, Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Grant Williams, Handre Pollard.
[Source: Rugbypass]
