Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made it clear that the focus for the end-of-year will firmly revolve around prioritising a winning brand of rugby – and perhaps a little less experimentation – as they target an unbeaten tour overseas.
With this in mind, the Springboks’ starting forward pack pretty much picks itself, but there are some big calls to make in the backline.
THREE SPRINGBOK SELECTION POSERS FOR RASSIE ERASMUS
Who to back at No 9
Throughout the 2024 season to date, Erasmus has happily rotated at scrumhalf, with Cobus Reinach, Jaden Hendrikse, Morne van den Berg and Grant Williams receiving opportunities in the absence of injured Faf de Klerk.
De Klerk should be available for the November tour, and the question now is whether the Springboks will immediately reinstate him as the first-choice scrumhalf or continue looking elsewhere.
In terms of player ages and looking to the future, there is still a chance that 32-year-old De Klerk could make it to the next World Cup, but Hendrikse, Van den Berg and Williams do have age on their side.
What De Klerk and Hendrikse have in their favour is the ability to kick at goal, which could be a big factor if Erasmus does want to keep backing Manie Libbok at 10, while handing the place-kicking duties to someone else.
Flyhalf puzzler
Speaking of options at 10, the likely absence of injured Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu leaves a straight shoot out between Handre Pollard and Manie Libbok.
Erasmus knows what he has in Pollard, the Springboks’ Mr Reliability in terms of general flyhalf play, and undoubtedly the most accurate goal kicker in the team.
However, the Springboks are clearly looking to be more ambitious on attack, and in terms of distribution and a natural attacking inclination, Libbok stands head and shoulders above.
Ultimately this decision could come to conditions in the northern hemisphere, with Pollard the better option if there is inclement weather.
Array of options at fullback
It wasn’t that long ago that there were some doubts about the depth at fullback for the Springboks, but this is one area where things have changed dramatically.
After starring at fullback during the World Cup last year, Damian Willemse took hold of the No 15 jersey, and he has recently returned to fitness and form after missing the Rugby Championship due to injury.
However, in his absence, Aphelele Fassi has emerged as one of the most impressive Springbok performers this seaso.
The Sharks star is in the form of his life and it will be a massive call to decide between Fassi and Willemse, while also not forgetting what Willie le Roux can add to the mix.
Besides his vast experience, Le Roux is also now just three Tests away from reaching his 100-cap milestone, and there is a plan in place to keep the 35-year-old in the Springbok mix for at least the year or two.
HERE ARE ALL OF THE SPRINGBOKS’ END-OF-YEAR FIXTURES TO NOTE
- Sunday, 10 November: Scotland vs South Africa (18:10 SA time)
- Saturday, 16 November: England vs South Africa (19:40 SA time)
- Saturday, 23 November: Wales vs South Africa (19:40 SA time)
DO YOU THINK THE BOKS WILL GO UNDEFEATED ON THE END-OF-YEAR-TOUR?
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