Injured Warburton out of Springboks clash

Sam Warburton picked up an injury in training this week and as a result will miss ' game against South Africa on Saturday.
He is replaced in the back-row is taken by Dan Lydia with Justin Tipuric restored at openside and Taulupe Faletau on the bench after successful returning from injury with last weekend.
Leigh Halfpenny return to his favourite full-back position after staring on the wing in the 33-30 win over while Jamie Roberts is once again dropped in favour of Scott Williams at inside centre.
Given Warburton's absence, loosehead Gethin Jenkins will captain the side after recovering from a shoulder injury.
Dan Biggar returns at fly-half, with Sam Davies – whose last-minute drop goal clinched the win against Japan – getting the nod ahead of Gareth Anscombe on the bench.
“We were pleased with the win against Argentina so have gone with virtually the same team for South Africa,” said head coach Rob Howley.
“Sam [Warburton] picked up a bit of a stinger injury on Tuesday and isn't quite ready so Dan comes in.
“It's good to have Taulupe back in the squad, he will add a good impact from the bench.
“There is the tinge of disappointment in terms of performance against Japan and we want to put that right.”
Following their shock defeat to Italy last weekend, South Africa Head Coach Allister Coetzee has decided to drop Bryan Habana in one of seven changes to his starting line-up.
winner Habana is replaced on the left wing by Jamba Ulengo who will win his first Test cap alongside centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg and flanker Uzair Cassiem.
Johan Goosen will replace -bound Willie le Roux at full-back and half-backs Elton Jantjies and Faf de Klerk come into the side to replace Pat Lambie and Rudy Paige.
Right wing Ruan Combrinck and outside centre Francois Venter are the only backs to keep their place while in the pack Cassiem and tighthead Lourens Adriaanse, who will replace Vincent Koch, are the only two changes.
Only Goosen and substitute Steven Kitshoff are not based in South Africa as Coetzee has favoured -based players.
Adriaan Strauss will captain the side from hooker and is joined in the front-row by Tendai Mtawarira. Locks Pieter-Steph du Toit and Lood de Jager continue their partnership in the absence of Eben Etzebeth and Nizaam Caar and Warren Whiteley keep their places in the back-row.
On the bench flanker Jean-Luc du Preez could win his first cap if he comes on and hooker Macolm Marx returns to the replacements in place of Bongi Mbonambi.
“We have a less experienced team, but I want to see some energy and an improved performance,” Coetzee said. “Our selection is also keeping in mind of the process and necessity to build towards 2019.
“Jamba, Uzair and Rohan are examples of players who have forced their way into the squad through consistently performing well on the domestic scene and during training on tour, and now they are getting their opportunities to play for the Boks.
“Recent matches against Wales have always delivered close-fought battles and small point margins and I expect more of the same on Saturday.”
Wales: Leigh Halfpenny; , Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, Liam Williams, Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies; Gethin Jenkins (c), Ken Owens, Tomas Francis, Luke Charteris, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric, Ross Moriarty
ReplacementsScott Baldwin, Nicky Smith,  Samson Lee, Cory Hill, Taulupe Faletau, Lloyd Williams, Sam Davies, Jamie Roberts
South Africa: Johan Goosen; Ruan Combrinck, Francois Venter, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Jamba Ulengo; Elton Jantjies, Faf de Klerk; Tendai Mtawarira, Adriaan Strauss (c), Lourens Adriaanse; Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager; Nizaam Carr, Uzair Cassiem, Warren Whiteley
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Trevor Nyakane, Franco Mostert, Jean-Luc du Preez, Piet van Zyl, Pat Lambie, Lionel Mapoe

Leave a Comment