By Lucky Vince Pienaar
The experimentation is clearly over!
The squad announced by Rassie Erasmus shows that the work done with different player combinations and playing strategies has been completed.
This may not be a World Cup final, but it’s pretty close.
And for those wondering about Handré Pollard’s future, attack coach Tony Brown has provided some answers.
He said that he saw Pollard play as a junior and how dominant he was.
“We have tried a few things,” Brown said, indicating that he doesn’t think Pollard is history just yet – and the 30-year-old may still be the first choice for the flyhalf position, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, for now, coming on as a replacement. But it again raises the question about Manie Libbok’s future.
With Jasper Wiese back in the squad, he is once again the first-choice eighthman. Where does that leave Kwagga Smith, who is playing the best rugby of his life?
When Willie le Roux comes off the field, will his position be taken over by Canan Moodie?
These are just some of the questions that come up when talking about team positions. There are many options open to Erasmus, especially regarding the use of replacements from the bench.
As much as Rassie has always said the overall objective is winning the World Cup in 2027, the Springboks are in the home stretch, preparing for the All Blacks at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg. This time it’s the best versus the best for both teams.
Springbok squad:
Forwards: Thomas du Toit, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Salmaan Moerat, Ruan Nortje, RG Snyman, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Ben-Jason Dixon, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese).
Backs: Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie.
Pictured above: The Springboks.
Source: Springboks/X
