De Villiers shuffles the Bok deck

03 July 2009 - 02:00
By Dillon Davie

IF THEY can win the final match tomorrow against the British and Irish Lions at Ellis Park, the 2009 Springboks will have done something no other Bok team has managed: defeating the tourists in a comprehensive whitewash.

In order to do so, coach Peter de Villiers has rotated much of his team, with an eye now looking towards ensuring depth for the coming Tri-Nations as well as the 2011 World Cup.

At flyhalf, Morne Steyn makes his run-on debut ahead of Ruan Pienaar, while Sharks captain Johann Muller replaces Bakkies Botha.

Heinrich Brussow replaces Schalk Burger.

Injury concerns over Pierre Spies have made space for Sharks No 8 Ryan Kankowski to earn his first cap of 2009. Spies drops to the bench. Zane Kirchner comes in at fullback for Steyn, who drops to the utility No 22 jersey.

De Villiers has also rotated his wings, with Bryan Habana and JP Pietersen making way for Jongi Nokwe and Odwa Ndungane.