Willie le Roux AXED? Is THIS the Springbok team to face Wales?

The Springboks are reportedly ready to spring a few surprises with their team for the opening Test of their end-of-year tour against Wales on Saturday.

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The world champion Springboks are already without injured Cheslin Kolbe and Faf de Klerk for the Test in Cardiff, while Sbu Nkosi is also out due to issues with his passport and visa.

Up front Frans Malherbe is also missing as is RG Snyman.

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Coach Jacques Nienaber is expected to ditch fullback Willie le Roux after several shaky performances in the No 15 jersey and replace him with Damian Willemse.

Jesse Kriel could well find himself moving from centre to wing to cover the hole created there by the absence of the aforementioned Kolbe and Nkosi.

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Herschel Jantjies is expected to win the race to fill De Klerk’s scrumhalf berth with red-hot Cobus Reinach starting on the bench.

Nienaber will name his official team on Tuesday, 2 November at 12:00 (SA time).

Kick-off on Saturday at the Principality Stadium is scheduled for 19:30 (SA time).

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Potential Springbok team

15 Damian Willemse, 14 Jesse Kriel, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Kwagga Smith, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Substitutes: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Jasper Wiese, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Elton Jantjies, 23 Frans Steyn