Etzebeth to start for Springboks as late replacement for Kleyn
Etzebeth to start for Springboks as late replacement for Kleyn
South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth reacts to a teammate during the Autumn Nations series rugby union match between Scotland and South Africa in Edinburgh, Scotland, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth, left, and Scotland’s Zander Fagerson have an tussle during the Autumn Nations series rugby union match between Scotland and South Africa in Edinburgh, Scotland, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth reacts to a teammate during the Autumn Nations series rugby union match between Scotland and South Africa in Edinburgh, Scotland, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth reacts to a teammate during the Autumn Nations series rugby union match between Scotland and South Africa in Edinburgh, Scotland, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth, left, and Scotland’s Zander Fagerson have an tussle during the Autumn Nations series rugby union match between Scotland and South Africa in Edinburgh, Scotland, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth, left, and Scotland’s Zander Fagerson have an tussle during the Autumn Nations series rugby union match between Scotland and South Africa in Edinburgh, Scotland, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Eben Etzebeth was promoted to South Africa’s team for the rugby test against Wales on Saturday after an injury to Jean Kleyn.
The late change made Friday saw flanker Marco van Staden included among the replacements.
“We feel for Jean as it would have been his first test since the Rugby World Cup final last year,” Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus said.
“But Marco is also a Rugby World Cup winner and has been with the squad all season, and he has also been training with the squad all week and throughout the tour, so it was a logical choice for him to start on the bench.”
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South Africa: Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jordan Hendrikse, Jaden Hendrikse; Jasper Wiese, Elrigh Louw, Siya Kolisi (captain), Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Wilco Louw, Johan Grobbelaar, Thomas du Toit. Reserves: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Marco van Staden, RG Snyman, Cameron Hanekom, Cobus Reinach, Handre Pollard.
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AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby