“Should be benched” – Springboks fans divided as Rassie Erasmus names team to face Italy

The world champions have selected several of their biggest stars, with Siya Kolisi captaining the side and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu starting at fly-half.

However, not everyone is happy with the South Africa selection.

Some supporters have questioned the inclusion of Salmaan Moerat, while another called for Feinberg-Mngomezulu to be dropped to the bench.

The announcement sparked an immediate reaction on the Springboks Instagram, with supporters divided over several selections.

One fan, @melato_ofeng, wrote: "Moerat again? 🤨🤨🤨 also, Sasha needs to be benched"

Another, @tracy.hislop, simply commented: "Moerat..??"

Supporter @monare.kabi wanted to see a different player given an opportunity.

"Would've loved to see Norton selected over Moerat," they wrote.

Meanwhile, @wongalethuq questioned whether the lock would make it through the opening 40 minutes.

"Will Moerat last first half"

Others were disappointed that more of the squad's younger players had not been selected.

"We wanted to see the laitjies," wrote @theotherme___.

Despite the criticism, plenty of supporters welcomed Erasmus' decision to name such a strong side.

"Dr Rassie is not messing around 😳," wrote @cjmarais.

Another supporter, @itneedstobesaid_1, commented: "lol Rassie didn’t hold back here 😂😂"

The selection of Morne van den Berg, Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Ethan Hooker also attracted praise.

"Morné x Sacha x Hooker. I used to pray for times like this," wrote @emmanuel.naidoo.

Meanwhile, @homeandawayrugby declared: "RASSIE AINT BACKING DOWN SHEESSHHH😭😭"

Starting XV: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.

Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Cameron Hanekom, 21 Paul de Villiers, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok.

Think Erasmus has got his selection wrong? Use our interactive Springboks team selector to choose your strongest starting XV.