Rugby: Springboks shuffle lineup for ABs

Gerhard Mostert. Photo / Getty Images

Lock Gerhard Mostert will make his test debut for the Springboks after being named in the side to face the All Blacks in a Tri-Nations test here on Saturday.

The 26-year-old, who was called into the squad after second rower Johann Muller was forced home from the tour prior to the 39-20 test defeat by Australia in Sydney on Saturday, is one of four changes to the side.

He replaces lock Flip van der Merwe who was himself sent home with a rib injury sustained in that loss.

Flanker Jean Deysel will make his first start, while Danie Rossouw moves to No 8 with Ashley Johnson dropping to the bench.

In the backs, Patrick Lambie makes the starting 15 for the first time, in place of the injured Gio Aplon at fullback, while Adi Jacobs starts at centre with Juan de Jongh moving in one place to second five-eighths and Wynand Olivier, who started last week, is in the replacements.

"We have had a few injury challenges on this tour and last week was not a good start, but we have learnt from last week's match,'' said head coach Pieter de Villiers.

"There have been some frank exchanges this week and the players know what is expected from them and that this is their opportunity.''

Mostert joined the squad after being summoned from Paris where he has joined Stade Francais after playing for the Sharks in the Super 15 this season.

He was included in the first 45-man squad De Villiers selected as Springboks coach in 2008.

Van der Merwe flew home yesterday after damaging a rib against Australia, while Aplon was on the same flight after failing to get over back and shoulder injuries.

The team will be captained for a world record 78th time by John Smit in his 104th test.

Team: Patrick Lambie, Bjorn Basson, Adi Jacobs, Juan de Jongh, Lwazi Mvovo, Morne Steyn, Ruan Pienaar, Danie Roussow, Jean Deysel, Deon Stegmann, Alistair Hargreaves, Gerhard Mostert, Werner Kruger, John Smit (captain), Dean Greyling. Reserves: Chiliboy Ralepelle, CJ van der Linde, Ryan Kankowski, Ashley Johnson, Charl McLeod, Wynand Olivier, Odwa Ndungane.

- NZPA