Outstanding youngster Willie Le Roux, Bulls’ Jano Vermaak in Boks debuts
Eight changes in Durban line-up sees fresh faces in team that barely beat England last year
Fullback Willie le Roux and scrumhalf Jano Vermaak will make their test debuts for South Africa tomorrow against Italy in the opening round of a four-nation tournament.
Central Cheetahs utility back Le Roux, 23, has been the most exciting South African in the Super 15 this season and his call-up is sure to be warmly greeted by the public and media.
Northern Bulls' Vermaak, 28, who completed 100 Super Rugby appearances last month, has been knocking on the Springbok selection door for some time.
He will be partnered at halfback by recalled Morne Steyn, who was discarded last season as his goal-kicking form plummeted, but is back to his best in the Super 15 this year.
The starting XV for the test at Kings Park in Indian Ocean city Durban shows eight changes from that which pipped England 16-15 at Twickenham last November.
Captain and centre Jean de Villiers survives among the backs while forwards Adriaan Strauss, Jannie du Plessis, Eben Etzebeth, Juandre Kruger, Francois Louw and Willem Ablerts remain.
Injuries ruled out right wing J.P.Pietersen, outside centre Juan de Jongh and No8 Duane Vermeulen from the London starting line-up.