All eyes will be on Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus as South Africa prepare for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
By Keisha-Lee Opperman On RUCK Debut
Erasmus has selected a powerful 43-man squad for the upcoming tour, with Argentina and the All Blacks standing between the Springboks and another statement of intent on the international stage.
South Africa edged past Argentina in a nail-biting contest last weekend, but Erasmus will now have the opportunity to test his combinations against New Zealand. The All Blacks have also made a strong start to Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, defeating the DHL Stormers in their opening match before travelling to face the Hollywoodbets Sharks on Tuesday.
With injuries already affecting both camps, selection will be fascinating when the two great rivals finally meet on August 26 at Ellis Park. Here is our predicted Springboks starting XV and replacements for the first Test against New Zealand.
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BACK THREE
15. Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers)
Damian Willemse remains one of South Africa’s most reliable options at full-back and could be the preferred choice against the All Blacks. The Stormers star has plenty of experience at Test level and knows exactly what is required in a high-pressure encounter against New Zealand. His speed, kicking ability and decision-making make him a dangerous attacking option while also giving South Africa security at the back.
With the All Blacks likely to test South Africa’s defensive structure through the kicking game, Willemse’s ability under the high ball could prove particularly valuable.
14. Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls)
Kurt-Lee Arendse is another player who offers South Africa genuine attacking threat. The Bulls wing enjoyed an impressive URC campaign and has already established himself as a dangerous international player. His pace and ability to beat defenders make him particularly valuable when South Africa are able to create space out wide. Against an All Blacks side packed with dangerous runners, Arendse’s defensive work will be just as important as his attacking ability.
11. Cheslin Kolbe (Stormers)
Cheslin Kolbe remains one of the most versatile weapons available to Erasmus. The diminutive wing possesses extraordinary footwork, speed and kicking ability, while his experience of the biggest Test matches makes him a natural selection for a fixture of this magnitude. Kolbe also offers Erasmus flexibility during the match, with his ability to cover multiple positions giving South Africa another tactical option when the pressure rises.
CENTRES
13. Jesse Kriel (Yokohama Canon Eagles)
Jesse Kriel’s experience makes him a strong candidate to start against New Zealand. The veteran centre was one of South Africa’s most consistent performers during the Nations Championship, scoring three tries and making 26 tackles. His defensive organisation and ability to carry hard in midfield could be particularly important against an All Blacks backline that thrives when given space.
12. Damian de Allende (Saitama Wild Knights)
The familiar partnership of Damian de Allende and Kriel could once again be Erasmus’ preferred midfield combination. De Allende brings physicality, experience and a proven ability to break the gain line. He has also played against New Zealand numerous times, giving him an understanding of the intensity required in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry. With South Africa likely to target the All Blacks through the middle of the field, De Allende’s power could be a major asset.
HALFBACKS
10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers)
Despite recently returning from an ankle injury, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu could be trusted to wear the No.10 jersey. The young fly-half remains one of the most exciting talents in South African rugby and offers a combination of attacking ambition and a strong kicking game.
His ability to kick for territory could be crucial against New Zealand, particularly if South Africa look to pin the All Blacks deep in their own half. With Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok and Morne Mngomezulu also available, Erasmus has plenty of options, but Feinberg-Mngomezulu could get the nod if the coaching staff believe he is fit enough.
9. Cobus Reinach (Stormers)
Cobus Reinach is our pick to partner Feinberg-Mngomezulu at half-back. The experienced scrum-half has been a regular presence in the Springboks squad and offers the pace and quick decision-making required to put pressure on New Zealand’s defence.
His familiarity with Feinberg-Mngomezulu also gives South Africa an established combination, while his international experience provides an important balance to the young fly-half. Erasmus also has Morne van den Berg, Herschel Jantjies and Grant Williams available, giving him plenty of options from the bench.
