THE Springboks’ hopes of securing back to back Rugby Championship wins have suffered a blow after losing inspirational No 8 Warren Whiteley for their return bout against the Wallabies in Port Elizabeth.

A groin injury sustained during training earlier in the week has forced the former Springboks captain out of the match.

It’s a colossal blow to Rassie Erasmus’ side, who are coming off the high of beating the All Blacks in their last Test.
While it was the speed of Aphiwe Dyantyi that blitzed the All Blacks out wide, it was Whiteley’s calm head, leadership and dogged defensive effort that was the cornerstone of their remarkable 36-34 victory in Wellington.

Whiteley didn’t miss any of his 27 tackles in the match and his workrate will be missed against the Wallabies.

He has been replaced by Stormers No 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, who will make his run on debut.

WALLABIES (15-1): Dane Haylett-Petty, Israel Folau, Reece Hodge, Matt Toomua, Marika Koroibete, Kurtley Beale, Will Genia, David Pocock, Michael Hooper (c), Ned Hanigan, Izack Rodda, Adam Coleman, Taniela Tupou, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Scott Sio.

Reserves: Folau Faingaa, Sekope Kepu, Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Rob Simmons, Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley, Jack Maddocks.

SPRINGBOKS (15-1): Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (c); Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Tendai Mtawarira

Reserves: Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Embrose Papier, Elton Jantjies, Damian Willemse

Erasmus has made four changes to his starting side with Tendai Mtawarira, Andre Esterhuizen and Cheslin Kolbe also called in.

The Wallabies have also made four changes to their side following their shock loss to Argentina earlier this month, with two forced alterations and a couple of tactical changes.

Despite losing to the Wallabies 23-18 in Brisbane earlier this month, the Springboks (10 points) remain a mathematical chance of securing their first Rugby Championship tournament victory.

But they must also rely on the All Blacks (16 points) losing to the Pumas in Argentina, before hosting the world champions next month.

After being relegated to the bench for the past two Tests, Mtawarira returns at loosehead prop with Steven Kitshoff dropping to the bench.

Erasmus has also been forced to name a brand new midfield combination after centres pairing Damien de Allende and Lukhanyo Am were injured against the All Blacks.

In their places Esterhuizen returns at inside centre after missing the last two Tests and is joined by Jesse Kriel who has shifted in from the wing.

And after two spectacular cameos off the bench, Toulouse utility back Kolbe comes in on the right wing.

“Cheslin has been very impressive since he joined the squad a few weeks ago and now he gets a deserved opportunity to start in a big Test,” Erasmus said.

“The same applies for Notshe, who did very well in the role of impact player during the English series.

“He has kept on working hard and he deserves his opportunity in the starting team.

“The inclusion of ‘Beast’ in the front row is a straight swap for Steven and Jesse returns to outside centre, a position where he has played most of his Test rugby, next to Andre, who started in four Tests already this year.”

On the bench, loose forward Marco van Staden, halfback Embrose Papier and outside back Damian Willemse all make returns.

“The players that we sent on (in Wellington) took their chances and that’s what we want from this group,” Erasmus added.

“We are trying to build experience in the squad that we can take to the Rugby World Cup.”