Boks look to extend Eben's career

Former Springbok and current assistant coach Duane Vermeulen said the absence of enforcer Eben Etzebeth for their crunch Rugby Championship Test against the All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday was to give him a rest as the world champions look to extend his rugby career.

- Ross Roche

Etzebeth was among a number of surprise omissions for the game, with Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende also not included in the match 23, with the Boks backing a number of inexperienced players to do the job against their biggest rivals.

Replacing Etzebeth at No 4 is usual five lock Lood de Jager, with Ruan Nortje keeping his place in the starting lineup from last weekend's defeat at Eden Park.