Le Roux to make landmark Boks appearance

Willie le Roux is set to make his 50th Test appearance for South Africa as they look to end the Rugby Championship on a high against New Zealand.

Wasps full-back Le Roux keeps his place in the Springboks side that defeated Australia last week, recording a second consecutive win after defeating the All Blacks in New Zealand previously.

But Rassie Erasmus has made three changes to the team that played the Wallabies, with Damian de Allende among those to come into the side after returning from injury.

Francois Louw also comes in, having been in club action with Bath in the last round of fixtures, while Steven Kitshoff replaces Stormers team-mate Tendai Mtawarira. Cheslin Kolbe keeps his place, having made his first Springboks start last time out.

And Erasmus is raring to go on Saturday in Pretoria, saying: “They will test us in every department. The All Blacks usually hit hard back after a loss, so we have to be mentally and physically ready for a massive contest.

“We will have to front up in defence and be clinical when we are creating chances because the All Blacks punish you for errors and missed opportunities.

“The Springboks versus All Blacks at a packed Loftus, I think it’s going to be a special occasion.”

On Le Roux, he added: “Willie has grown immensely since making his debut five years ago and his calm influence at the back, as well as his experience, will be vital on Saturday.”

Your #Springboks team to face @AllBlacks at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria Saturday has been named. @Doogz @FloLouw and @StevenKitshoff are back in the starting line-up, while @wjjleroux will play in his 50th Test for South Africa. #LoveRugby @MTNza @FNBSA @CastleLagerSA @ASICS_ZA pic.twitter.com/hMYnNoJphA

— South African Rugby (@Springboks) October 4, 2018

South Africa XV: Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk; Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx, Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Francois Louw.

Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Tendai Mtawarira, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Embrose Papier, Elton Jantjies, Damian Willemse.

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