When Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus acknowledged that team changes would be needed after the Ellis Park defeat, no one could have predicted just how significantly the backline would be overhauled.
Such is the style of Rassie, always expect the unexpected. On Monday, even All Blacks coach Scott Robertson admitted during an interview that he was completely unaware that the Springboks were set to reveal their team right at the start of the week.
“That’s what you love about him (Erasmus), you just don’t know what’s coming,” Robertson said with a big smile when a journalist informed him of the Springbok team announcement during a stand-up interview.
Yet, no one could have predicted that Erasmus would name an almost entirely overhauled backline, with just Cheslin Kolbe retaining his place from last weekend.
Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will pair up in an exciting halfback combination, while Damian Willemse and Canan Moodie slot into the midfield, despite having predominantly played at fullback or on the wing during their respective Test careers.
Ethan Hooker will earn his first start for the Springboks on the wing, with Aphelele Fassi returning to fullback to complete the back three with Kolbe.
“This is an exciting team, which we believe will provide us with the forward power we require, and spark in the backline against a quality All Blacks side,” said Erasmus.
“We’ve maintained consistency in selection to a large degree in the last few matches, but apart from what we feel some of the players selected can add to our attack, we’d like to see what some of the players can do against the top-ranked team in the world.
“This is a vital match for our Rugby Championship campaign, and we feel some fresh legs and energy are what we need to come away with the desired result.”
Erasmus added: “Every player in this squad knows we believe in them and back them, and this will serve as a great occasion for them to show us what they are capable of against a team such as the All Blacks.
“They have all done the job for us against some of the top teams in the world earlier this year, and others over the last few years, and we know they’ll relish this opportunity to face New Zealand in their backyard.”
It’s a clear indication that Erasmus is not going to back down and become overly conservative just because results haven’t been going their way in the Rugby Championship to date.
This is about backing the full squad at his disposal, and being brave enough to present a different picture to the All Blacks this weekend.
HOW THE SPRINGBOK TEAM WILL LOOK THIS WEEKEND:
Springboks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Lood de Jager, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nché.
Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 André Esterhuizen.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE BACKLINE SELECTED?
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