JOHANNESBURG - South Africa have made six changes to the team held by England last June for a Rugby Championship first-round match against Argentina in Cape Town Saturday (Sunday, Fiji time).
In comes fullback Zane Kirchner, winger Lwazi Mvovo, centre Francois Steyn, lock Andries Bekker, flanker Willem Alberts and No.8 Keegan Daniels, as the Springboks seek to build on a perfect 13-Test record against the Pumas.
Fullback Gio Aplon, lock Juandre Kruger and flank Jacques Potgieter were dropped by coach Heyneke Meyer, injuries ruled out right wing JP Pietersen and No.8 Pierre Spies, and Japan-bound centre Wynand Olivier was not considered. Steyn will win his 50th cap at Newlands stadium having made his debut against Ireland six seasons ago.
Team (15-1): Zane Kirchner; Lwazi Mvovo, Jean de Villiers (capt), Francois Steyn, Bryan Habana; Morne Steyn, Francois Hougaard; Keegan Daniel, Willem Alberts, Marcell Coetzee; Andries Bekker, Eben Etzebeth; Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira. Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Pat Cilliers, Flip van der Merwe, Jacques Potgieter, Ruan Pienaar, Patrick Lambie, JJ Engelbrecht.