Etzebeth to start for Springboks as late replacement for Kleyn

CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Eben Etzebeth was promoted to South Africa's team for the rugby test against Wales on Saturday after an injury to Jean Kleyn.

The late change made Friday saw flanker Marco van Staden included among the replacements.

“We feel for Jean as it would have been his first test since the Rugby World Cup final last year," Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus said.

"But Marco is also a Rugby World Cup winner and has been with the squad all season, and he has also been training with the squad all week and throughout the tour, so it was a logical choice for him to start on the bench.”

South Africa: Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jordan Hendrikse, Jaden Hendrikse; Jasper Wiese, Elrigh Louw, Siya Kolisi (captain), Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Wilco Louw, Johan Grobbelaar, Thomas du Toit. Reserves: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Marco van Staden, RG Snyman, Cameron Hanekom, Cobus Reinach, Handre Pollard.

AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby

South Africa's Eben Etzebeth, left, and Scotland's Zander Fagerson have an tussle during the Autumn Nations series rugby union match between Scotland and South Africa in Edinburgh, Scotland, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

South Africa's Eben Etzebeth reacts to a teammate during the Autumn Nations series rugby union match between Scotland and South Africa in Edinburgh, Scotland, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

LONDON (AP) — The U.S. Embassy in London returned to normal operations Friday afternoon after police carried out the controlled explosion of a suspicious package that was found in the area earlier in the day.

London Metropolitan police later said it was a "hoax device.''

“An investigation will now follow,'' police said in a statement. ”Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down.”

The embassy said it had returned to normal business operations, although all public appointments were canceled for the day.

“Local authorities investigated and cleared a suspicious package outside the Embassy,'' the embassy said. ”Thanks to @metpoliceuk for your swift action, and thanks to all visitors for your cooperation and patience at this time.''

Also Friday, authorities evacuated the south terminal of London's Gatwick Airport while they investigated a suspicious item found in luggage. Sussex Police said they had sent an ordnance disposal team to the airport as a precaution.

The U.S. Embassy in Nine Elms, London, where Metropolitan Police officers have carried out a "controlled explosion" outside after reports of a suspicious package, on Friday Nov. 22, 2024. (Yui Mok/PA via AP)

A police cordon near the U.S. Embassy in Nine Elms, London, where Metropolitan Police officers have carried out a "controlled explosion" outside after reports of a suspicious package, on Friday Nov. 22, 2024. (Yui Mok/PA via AP)