Springboks Rugby

Munster Lock Withdraw From Springboks team to face Wales Replaced by Eben Etzebeth, who is on the World Rugby player

Munster lock Jean Kleyn is a late withdrawal from the South Africa team for their Autumn Nations Series game against Wales on Saturday.

He will be replaced by Eben Etzebeth, who is on the World Rugby player of the year shortlist.

Kleyn had been set to start his first Test since the successful Rugby World Cup campaign in France, but having been injured for most of this year, is sidelined again, though the Springboks have not disclosed the nature of the injury.

The 31-year-old missed most of last season but had started all six of Munster URC games this season.

Etzebeth moves up from the bench, which flanker Marco van Staden drafted into the replacements.

Munster, who are searching for a permanent replacement after head coach Graham Rowntree’s departure last month, host the Lions on Saturday week.

“We feel for Jean, but Marco is also a Rugby World Cup winner and has been with the squad all season,” South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus said.

“He has also been training with the squad all week and throughout the tour, so it was a logical choice for him to start on the bench.”

Leinster second row RG Snyman is also on the bench.

This is the second time South Africa have changed their starting XV since it was announced on Tuesday after prop Ox Nche was rested and replaced by Wilco Louw.

The Springboks have won both their Autumn series tests so far against Scotland (32-15) and England (29-20), while Wales are on a record 11-game losing streak.

Wales: Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas, Rio Dyer; Sam Costelow, Ellis Bevan; Gareth Thomas, Dewi Lake (capt), Archie Griffin; Will Rowlands, Christ Tshiunza; James Botham, Jac Morgan, Taine Plumtree,

Replacements: Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Freddie Thomas, Tommy Reffell, Rhodri Williams, Eddie James, Josh Hathaway.

South Africa: Aphelele Fassi; Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arends; Jordan Hendrikse, Jaden Hendrikse; Thomas du Toit, Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw; Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert; Siya Kolisi (capt), Elrigh Louw, Jasper Wiese.

Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Marco van Staden, RG Snyman, Cameron Hanekom, Cobus Reinach, Handre Pollard.

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