The Springboks are bracing for battle against New Zealand at Eden Park – where South Africa last beat the hosts in 1937 and where the All Blacks have not lost since 1994.
It’s with this in mind that the Springbok coaches may well opt for as much experience and leadership as possible when it comes to how the team might look once selected.
Interestingly, Erasmus has opted to wait until Thursday to name the team, with Kolisi looking likely to miss out as he has only just recently recovered from a knee injury.
This is how we think the Springboks could line up against the All Blacks, possibly packing in an abundance of experience with the likes of Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Handre Pollard and Eben Etzebeth.
HOW THE SPRINGBOKS COULD LINE UP
Springboks (possible): 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (c), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jean-Luc du Preez, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 RG Snyman, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcom Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Commenting on the decision to name his team on Thursday as opposed to Tuesday, Erasmus said there were a few contributing factors to the call.
“It’s a tough match for both sides, and they are a team that analyse thoroughly,” he said.
“Over and above that, we are not sure what team they’ll announce, while we also have a few injured players at home, and one or two who are not available for selection this week, so there’s a bit of an unknown factor for us both. By announcing our team later in the week, we believe it will even things out more.”
Latest squad:
Forwards: Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese.
Backs: Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams, Damian Willemse.
Who do you think should start at scrumhalf?
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