8 Jun 2012

Three newcomers in Boks team to play England

12:11 pm on 8 June 2012

The Springboks have named uncapped forwards Eben Etzebeth, Juandre Kruger and Marcell Coetzee in their side for the first Test against England at Kings Park in Durban this weekend.

Etzebeth and Kruger come in at lock as the Springboks prepare for life after the iconic second-row partnership of Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield ended at last year's World Cup.

The elevation of loosie Coetzee after less than two seasons of Super Rugby action was widely expected, especially when Heinrich Brussow surprisingly failed to make the 32-man series squad named last weekend.

Coach Heineke Meyer sprang another surprise at fullback with Bulls Zane Kirchner getting the nod ahead of Patrick Lambie, who filled the role with distinction during a World Cup campaign that ended with a quarter-final loss to Australia.

Only six of the starting line-up against the Wallabies survive - wings JP Pietersen and Bryan Habana, centre Jean de Villiers, first-five Morne Steyn, tighthead prop Jannie du Plessis and No.8 Pierre Spies.

Halfback Francois Hougaard, hooker Bismarck du Plessis and flank Willem Alberts came on as replacements in the 11-9 defeat by the Australians and make the starting line-up against England.