Veteran winger JP Pietersen has been forced out of Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash with the All Blacks due to a strained hamstring.
The loss of Pietersen has handed a starting place on the right wing to Cornal Hendricks, who was originally named on the bench. Uncapped Lions flyer Lionel Mapoe takes Hendricks’ place on the bench.
Pietersen strained his hamstring during Wednesday’s training session, after coach Heyneke Meyer had already announced his side for the must-win game at Ellis Park.
“It’s a huge setback to lose JP for a big match such as this one as he has been in good form and brings valuable experience to our backline,” said Meyer in a South African Rugby Union (SARU) statement on Wednesday.
“But Cornal played against the All Blacks last year, scored a brilliant try in Wellington and is raring to go.”
“Lionel was not available for selection because of injury when we got together as a squad a few weeks ago and Jesse Kriel grabbed his opportunity with both hands. That is why I am delighted that Lionel is now getting his chance.”
“We had a number of options on the bench, but decided on Lionel as he covers wing and outside centre, which is what we had in JP.”
With a shortened Rugby Championship due to the World Cup later in the year, the Springboks have to win Saturday’s showdown if they are to retain any hope of lifting the trophy.
