sport news Sir Gareth Edwards hits out at 'disrespectful' South Africa for making 14 ... trends now

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British & Irish Lions great Sir Gareth Edwards has accused South Africa of disrespecting international rugby after the Springboks made 14 changes for their second Test with Wales.

Edwards – a legendary figure in both Welsh and Lions circles – saw his country push South Africa all the way in the opener to the three-match series, only to lose 32-29 to the last kick of the game.

Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has ripped up his team for Saturday’s rematch in Bloemfontein with only lock Eben Etzebeth retaining his place from the win in Pretoria.

South Africa’s side still contains 2019 World Cup winners Handre Pollard, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Etzebeth as well as Harlequins ace Andre Esterhuizen.

But it also includes six international rookies. Edwards – who claimed a Test series victory in South Africa with the Lions in 1974 – has told Wales to take advantage on Saturday.

‘The big disappointment for me was to learn South Africa are going to change nearly their whole team. I think it shows a little bit of disrespect,’ Edwards, now 74, said.

‘That’s their prerogative and not ours, but I can’t understand it. Yes, make changes but not that many.’