Subscribe to Archivestuff Have your say Lock Johann Muller will lead a South African team featuring four changes to play All Blacks in Saturday's Tri-Nations rugby test at Jade Stadium in Christchurch. Sharks leaper Muller inherits the captaincy from injured No 8 Bobby Skinstad and becomes the fourth Springboks skipper in four Tri-Nations tests - with John Smit and Victor Matfield both at home resting. Skinstad's place at the back of the scrum goes to experienced loose forward Jacques Cronje while Muller's locking partner will be Albert van den Berg, who replaces the injured Johan Ackermann.
The only form-related change in the pack is a surprising one, with young Sharks hooker Bismarck Du Plessis coming in for Gary Botha, one of the more impressive performers in the 17-25 loss to Australia at Sydney last Saturday. Du Plessis joins his brother, prop Jannie, in the starting lineup of a test for the first time. The only backline casualty is fullback Bevan Fortuin, with Jaco Pretorius introduced on the left wing and JP Pietersen shifting to fullback.
Speculation that Bulls first five-eighth Derick Hougaard would make way for Peter Grant proved unfounded, suggesting the Springboks will again adopt a conservative game plan in the backs.
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