Head coach Jacques Nienaber is worked up to unleash a Springbok match-day 23 primed to kick off their World Cup title defence with victory towards Scotland on Sunday.

Nienaber made 4 modifications to the Bok beginning lineup that beat the All Blacks in London nearly two weeks in the past, whereas utility again Canan Moodie and lock Jean Kleyn weren’t thought of for choice as a consequence of hamstring and knee niggles, respectively.

Scrumhalf Faf de Klerk will play in his fiftieth Take a look at within the Boks’ opener in Marseille, with Nienaber choosing the world champions’ acquainted six-two cut up on the replacements bench.

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“We’re happy with the squad depth now we have inbuilt the previous couple of months, and we imagine this group of gamers strikes the best steadiness to attain the outcome we’d like towards Scotland,” mentioned Nienaber.

“We’re very enthusiastic about this event. We’ve been constructing for this World Cup for the final 4 years and we’re thrilled to get our marketing campaign began.

“We’ve been working onerous in the previous couple of weeks to verify we’re as ready as potential going into this match and we’re absolutely conscious of the problem that awaits us.”

The Boks have solely performed Scotland twice since Nienaber and Rassie Erasmus took over the teaching reins in 2018 – a 26-20 victory in 2018 and a 30-15 win in 2021, each in Edinburgh.

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“Scotland are a top quality group with a powerful pack and skilful backs, they usually play with numerous depth, so we must be sharp on assault and defence on Sunday,” the Bok coach mentioned.

“They’ve proved in the previous couple of seasons that they’ll beat any group, and with this being the opening sport of the World Cup for each side, they are going to be equally as charged up as us for the match.”

De Klerk, a 2019 World Cup winner, reaching his profession milestone this weekend, Nienaber added: “Incomes 50 Take a look at caps is an enormous achievement and to mark that feat within the opening sport of the Rugby World Cup makes it very particular.

“Faf has been a key member of our group for just a few years, so we’re delighted for him. Evidently, we’re all centered on ensuring it’s a memorable event for him and the remainder of us.”

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