Daniel set for Springbok start
August 15, 2012 15:08:40 UK
South Africa have handed No.8 Keegan Daniel a starting role in the side for their opening game of the Rugby Championship against Argentina on Saturday.
The Sharks back-rower has three Springbok caps to his name so far but has been named in the starting XV for the first game for the Pumas in the competition involving the cream of international rugby.
Daniel has been brought in for the injured Pierre Spies, who has been ruled out of the clash this weekend due to a finger injury.
Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer has faith in Daniel and has had no concerns about giving the 27-year-old his first start after an impressive season in Super Rugby with the Sharks, who reached the grand final this season.
He said: "Keegan has been playing really well in Super Rugby and he has put up his hand.
"It is a setback losing someone of Pierre's experience but I think that Keegan is the logical choice to replace Pierre. It is a step up and it is in his hands now to see if he can play at this level.
"What you lose in physicality with Keegan you gain with the X-factor he brings to the team."
South Africa are 1.083 to win, 34.00 to draw and 7.50 to lose to Argentina in Cape Town on Saturday.
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