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The Springboks have just confirmed a major blow to their coaching resources
SA Rugby confirmed today that Pieter de Villiers has been released from his contract with the union to take up an opportunity in France.
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De Villiers, a former Test prop for France, joined SA Rugby in 2012 as a consultant and served on the Springbok team management until the end of the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
He was appointed Springbok assistant coach earlier this year under Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus, but De Villiers has requested a release from this position, and subsequently from his SA Rugby contract, due to family commitments.
Earlier today the Springboks named an experimental team to play Wales in the USA.
South Africa will start with seven uncapped players against Wales as coach Rassie Eramus looks to blood the next generation of Springboks.
Lock Pieter-Steph du Toit will lead South Africa in the one-off international on Saturday, the test taking place at the Robert F Kennedy Stadium in Washington DC.
Du Toit is one of five experienced starters for the Boks but it is the fresh faces that stand out in Erasmus’ first selection.
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Travis Ismaiel, Makazole Mapimpi, Andre Esterhuizen, Ivan van Zyl, Kwagga Smith, Jason Jenkins and Ox Nche will all make their international debuts, the latter trio all coming into the pack.
“As coaches, we are tremendously excited about the prospect of seeing some of our best young players getting the opportunity to play at this level,” said Erasmus.
“Wales have a very solid and effective kicking strategy and their cohesive forward and set-piece play are some of their main strong points. However, I do believe that we have picked a match-day squad that will be able to compete very strongly.”
After facing Wales on Saturday, the Springboks will meet England in Bloemfontein and Cape Town.
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South Africa: Curwin Bosch, Travis Ismaiel, Jesse Kriel, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Elton Jantjies, Ivan van Zyl; Ox Nche, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Wilco Louw, Jason Jenkins, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kwagga Smith, Oupa Mohoje, Dan du Preez
Replacements: Akker van der Merwe, Steven Kitshoff, Thomas du Toit, Marvin Orie, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Embrose Papier, Robert du Preez, Warrick Gelant
