Boks to ring changes for Saturday?

Come Saturday, the Springboks could have made up to six changes to the side for what coach Rassie Erasmus has called a “win at all costs” encounter.

Netwerk24’s reporter Hendrik Cronje, who has been with the Springboks as they prepare in Brisbane, reported that the Springbok side to face Australia could see six changes to the one that was downed 32-19 by Argentina, in Mendoza.

The front row seems up for two changes, with Steven Kitshoff to replace Beast Mtawarira in the starting lineup, while Bongi Mbonambi looks set to start at hooker as Malcolm Marx is rested ahead of the All Blacks clash.

Pieter Steph Du Toit may return to the blindside, with a shift back to openside for captain Siya Kolisi seeing Francois Louw drop out (after two below par performances).

The most notable change could see Elton Jantjies return as the starting flyhalf, as Handre Pollard has struggled with his goal kicking thus far.

Tried and tested centre pairing Damian De Allende and Jesse Kriel could also be fielded, swapping in for Sharks duo Andre Esterhuizen and Lukhanyo Am.

Both the Boks and Wallabies will be eager to snatch a win, coming off poor starts to their Rugby Championship campaigns.

“They will be determined to bounce back and will no doubt be in our faces, so we need to prepare with the same intensity that we can expect from them on Saturday,” said assistant coach Matt Proudfoot on Monday.

“We are in fact two teams looking to bounce back, so I think this game is going to be crucial for both sides, to see how each one responds.

“It will be a tight game played on the advantage line by both sides who will be looking to get on the front foot.”