White rings the changes for Tonga

September 19, 2007

SOUTH Africa coach Jake White retained just four players, who started in the 36-0 defeat of titleholders England last Friday, when he named his team for the World Cup Group A match with Tonga in Lens on Saturday.

The 43-year-old has guided the Springboks to two impressive wins over Samoa (59-7) and then England and has the luxury now of being able to rest, as he said he would, several of his first team even against the unbeaten Tongans.

Veteran flanker Bobby Skinstad - who was a member of the starting line-up in the 1999 World Cup but has enjoyed a roller coaster of a career since then - gets his first call-up and the captaincy ta boot as regular skipper John Smit gets to warm the bench.

Percy Montgomery may also have to wait a bit to become the sole proprietor of the most caps in Springbok history - he has 89 alongside Joost van der Westhuizen - as he is also among the replacements with utility back Ruan Pienaar filling in for him.

There is also a first start for centre Wayne Julies, who was only called up to the squad last week when first choice Jean de Villiers was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament when he suffered a biceps injury in the win over Samoa.

Julies earned his call up due to outstanding performances for Super 14 champions The Bulls.

The 28-year-old has played in 10 tests for the Springboks - which they have all won - and like Skinstad was a member of the squad that reached the 1999 World Cup semi-finals.

AAP

South Africa team:

1 Gurthro Steenkamp
2 Gary Botha
3 CJ van der Linde
4 Bakkies Botha
5 Albert van den Berg
6 Wickus van Heerden
7 Danie Rossouw
8 Bobby Skinstad (c)

9 Enrico Januarie
10 Andre Pretorius
11 JP Pietersen
12 Wayne Julies
13 Wynand Olivier
14 Ashwin Willemse
15 Ruan Pienaar

16 John Smit
17 BJ Botha
18 Victor Matfield
19 Juan Smith
20 Bryan Habana
21 Francois Steyn
22 Percy Montgomery