Erasmus names South Africa squad for France Test

South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus named Wilco Louw in the starting front row and Cobus Reinach among the replacements for Friday’s Nations Championship Test against France in Paris, making two changes to the matchday 23 that faced Italy. Eben Etzebeth was left out of the squad.

Louw replaces Thomas du Toit at tighthead prop, with Du Toit moving to the bench. Reinach takes the place of Grant Williams among the substitutes. The rest of the starting lineup, including the entire backline, remains unchanged from South Africa’s previous match.

Erasmus described the change between Louw and Du Toit as rotational, saying the front rows were settled and had played together for several seasons. He said the team intended to avoid extensive rotation on tour and select a settled squad to build momentum in the competition.

Etzebeth returned to France on Monday after time away from play but was not included in the 23. Erasmus said the lock had just arrived and would benefit from a week to return to the swing of things after time on the sidelines. Franco Mostert remains the lock cover on the bench, while Lood de Jager and Ruan Nortje start in the second row.

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