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Mapoe replaces injured Pietersen

The Springboks were forced to make an injury-enforced change to the team for Saturday's Rugby Championship match against New Zealand, with the uncapped Lionel Mapoe coming in for JP Pietersen.

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Pietersen strained his hamstring at Wednesday's training session at St Peter's College and will not be available to face the All Blacks.

As a result, Cornal Hendricks will start at right wing, with Mapoe coming onto the bench.

"It's a huge setback to lose JP for a big match such as this one, as he has been in good form and brings valuable experience to our backline," Springbok coach Heyneke meyer said.

"However, Cornal played against the All Blacks last year, scored a brilliant try in Wellington and is raring to go.

"Lionel was not available for selection because of injury when we got together as a squad a few weeks ago and Jesse Kriel grabbed his opportunity with both hands. That is why I am delighted that Lionel is now getting his chance.

"We had a number of options on the bench, but decided on Lionel as he covers wing and outside centre, which is what we had in JP."

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South Africa – revised: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Schalk Burger (captain), 7 Francois Louw, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Lodewyk de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.

Replacements: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Flip van der Merwe, 20 Warren Whiteley, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Pat Lambie, 23 Lionel Mapoe.

 

Date: Saturday, July 25

Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Kick-off: 17.05 (03.05 Sunday, New Zealand time; 15.05 GMT)

Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)

Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France), Leighton Hodges (Wales)

TMO: Graham Hughes (England)

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