RugbyU: Du Toit replaces Alberts for Japan game
Du Toit, 23, who has just 4 caps to his name, is replaced by the experienced Eben Etzebeth
BRIGHTON (AFP) - Pieter-Steph du Toit will start in South Africa s opening World Cup Pool B clash with Japan on Saturday replacing flanker Willem Alberts who injured his calf in the eve of game training session.
Du Toit, 23, who has just four caps to his name, is replaced on the bench by the experienced Eben Etzebeth.
"Willem felt some discomfort during the captain s run and we took him out of the session as a precautionary measure," said Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts.
"We reassessed him again this morning and decided it would be better to withdraw him from the team."
Despite the absence of 31-year-old Alberts, who has won 33 Test caps, the starting XV is still the most experienced in Springbok history with 851 -- topping the previous mark of 836 for the side that turned out for South Africa s last Rugby World Cup match against Australia in Wellington, New Zealand in 2011.
Team (15-1)
Zane Kirchner; Lwazi Mvovo, Jesse Kriel, Jean De Villiers (capt), Bryan Habana; Pat Lambie, Ruan Pienaar; Schalk Burger, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Francois Louw; Victor Matfield, Lodewyk De Jager; Jannie Du Plessis, Bismarck Du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Trevor Nyakane, Coenie Oosthuizen, Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Fourie Du Preez, Handre Pollard, JP Pietersen
Coach: Heyneke Meyer (RSA)
