Springboks make late front row change for Wales as Rassie opts for caution

The late change to the front row will see Wilco Louw returning to the starting team at tighthead prop, while Thomas du Toit will shift to loosehead.

Nche suffered a nasty gash above his knee during last weekend's match against England and while he was initially declared fit to play, Erasmus has decided to err on the side of caution and not risk his star prop.

As a result, Louw has been drafted into the starting team, while the replacements bench remains unchanged from the one named by Erasmus on Tuesday.

Louw played his 15th Test for the Boks last week after last featuring in the green and gold in 2021, and his inclusion in the starting lineup will see him play his second match in a row on the tour.

"Ox has been a key player for us this season and, given his high work-rate over the last few months, we opted to rest him for this clash," said Erasmus.

"Wilco started last week's match, and he's been training well this week, so it makes sense to include him in the starting team and move Thomas to loosehead prop.

"It also maintains the consistency we have in the front row among the replacements."

Erasmus also revealed that four players who were not included in the matchday squad would return home on Wednesday to spend time with their families before returning to their respective clubs and franchises.

Utility forward Pieter-Steph du Toit, who is nursing a shoulder niggle, returned home on Monday, while the other four players returning home are Kwagga Smith (loose forward), Lukhanyo Am (centre), Andre Esterhuizen (centre) and Makazole Mapimpi (wing).

"We gave a few players who are not playing the option to remain in camp or return home to spend quality time with their families, while at the same time ensuring that we have enough depth in the squad to cover all the positions in case we suffer injuries before the match," said Erasmus. "So, we are confident that we all well covered in the event that anything should happen before the game."

Updated Springbok team to face Wales: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Thomas du Toit.

Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 RG Snyman, 21 Cameron Hanekom, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Handre Pollard.