TOULON, France (AP) — South Africa selected Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse on the wings on Wednesday for the opening game of its Rugby World Cup title defense against Scotland, and went for Damian Willemse at fullback ahead of Willie le Roux.
Kolbe's recall to the left wing was one of four changes to the starting team that dismantled New Zealand 35-7 at Twickenham two weeks ago.
The other switches saw Jasper Wiese start at No. 8 ahead of veteran Duane Vermeulen, who's on the bench along with le Roux. Centers Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel come into the starting 15.
Canan Moodie, the 20-year-old youngster who was tipped to continue at outside center, was ruled out by a hamstring twinge, the Springboks said.
Wiese is the only change in the forward pack, where the other seven starters played some part in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
The Boks went for a six forwards and two backs bench split and not the unprecedented 7-1 that raised eyebrows against New Zealand at Twickenham.
Scrumhalf Faf de Klerk will make his 50th test appearance against the Scots in Marseille. He partners Manie Libbok, who continues to be South Africa's first-choice No. 10.
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South Africa: Damian Willemse, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Manie Libbok, Faf de Klerk; Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff. Reserves: Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Duane Vermeulen, Grant Williams, Willie le Roux.
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AP Rugby World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby
