adminBotha has been passed fit to play for injury-hit South Africa in tomorrow’s World Cup tie against Fiji.
Mtawarira swaps roles with Gurthro Steenkamp starting at loose-head prop while Botha is one of six changes to a Springboks side who are without Victor Matfield, Butch James, Bryan Habana and Jean de Villiers through injury.
The 31-year-old missed the reigning champions’ 17-16 opening win over Wales with an Achilles injury.
Fiji coach Sam Domoni has kept an unchanged backline, but makes three changes to his pack of forwards.
Botha is a direct replacement for vice-captain Matfield, who is out with a hamstring problem.
“I will still feel a bit of stiffness but it’s like old farm vehicles in the morning, it smokes a bit when you start it up but when you drive it around for half an hour and it gets hot, it can go,” said Botha.
Fiji and South Africa have met twice previously, in 1996 and at the 2007 World Cup, with the Springboks winning both encounters.
“Hopefully it will be the same for me. I will definitely start warming up before the others do.”
Odwa Ndungane is handed his World Cup debut as a replacement for Bryan Habana, who is out with a patella tendon injury, on the wing, with full-back Frans Steyn moving to inside centre in De Villiers’ absence.
Youngster Pat Lambie is called into the side as full-back while Steenkamp replaces Mtawarira.
Replacement lock Johann Muller will undergo a late fitness test on a tight hamstring with Francois Louw standing by as cover.
Fiji, who gave the Springboks a fright in the World Cup quarter-finals in France four years ago, have named hooker Sunia Koto in the starting line-up. Flanker Akapusi Qera and number eight Masi Matadingo have also been drafted in as the Pacific Islanders look to build on their opening 42-25 victory over Namibia.
Teams
South Africa
Pat Lambie, Odwa Ndungane, Jaque Fourie, Frans Steyn, JP Pietersen, Morne Steyn, Fourie Du Preez; Gurthro Steenkamp, John Smit (captain), Jannie Du Plessis, Bakkies Botha, Danie Rossouw, Heinrich Brussow, Schalk Burger, Pierre Spies. Replacements: Bismarck Du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira, Johann Muller, Willem Alberts, Francois Hougaard, Ruan Pienaar, Juan de Jongh.
Fiji
Kini Murimurivalu, Vereniki Goneva, Gaby Lovobalavu, Seremaia Bai, Naipolioni Nalaga, Waisea Luveniyali, Namia Kenatale; Campese Ma’afu, Sunia Koto, Deacon Manu (captain), Leone Nakarawa, Wame Lewaravu, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Akapusa Qera, Sakiusa Matadigo. Replacements: Talemaitoga Tuapati, Waisea Nailago, Netani Talei, Sisa Koyamaibole, Vitori Buatava, Nicky Little, Ravai Fatiaki. – BBC.
Online Reporter