One of the healthy headaches created by the Springboks’ big win over the All Blacks – largely inspired by a new-look backline – is that it will create a selection dilemma of sorts for the final two Rugby Championship Tests against Argentina.
Throughout the season to date, Rassie Erasmus has consistently rotated his team, but the statement made by some younger players in the recent win over the All Blacks can’t be ignored.
Erasmus may have initially planned to bring back the likes of Handre Pollard, Damian de Allende, Bongi Mbonambi, Vincent Koch and Jesse Kriel for the final two Rugby Championship Tests against Argentina, but that thinking may now have changed.
Indeed, as some veterans are potentially forced to remain on the sidelines based on the standout performances of ‘younger’ talent, we have already seen Willie le Roux omitted from the latest Springbok squad for the back-to-back games against Argentina.
The 36-year-old was not listed among the injured players, and so it does seem that he has simply been ‘dropped’.
Le Roux’s omission, and a serious injury suffered by Aphelele Fassi does mean Damian Willemse is likely to shift to fullback despite his sensational performance at inside centre last weekend.
This could open the door for Damian de Allende to return at 12, but Andre Esterhuizen has added to the healthy selection headache in that position after also delivering a brilliant display in Wellington.
Canan Moodie was equally outstanding at 13, and this means Jesse Kriel may not immediately return to the starting line up despite not really putting a foot wrong.
After both Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Manie Libbok also impressed at flyhalf this past Saturday, it’s likely that Handre Pollard could remain out of the matchday 23.
Springboks have a lot to mull over when it comes to selection
Up front, the injury to Lood de Jager should see Eben Etzebeth come straight back in at No 4, but even this may not have been guaranteed if not for the fact the former has been ruled out.
Malcolm Marx and Jan-Hendrik Wessels also appear to have hooker well covered, and so Bongi Mbonambi may remain out of the mix, and the same can be said for Vincent Koch considering Thomas du Toit an Vincent Koch have been sensational at tighthead prop.
A changing of the guard is under way, and it’s clear that the selection for the Springboks’ next two Tests will not be straightforward in the slightest.
Latest Bok squad:
Forwards – Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, 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, Faf de Klerk, Andre Esterhuizen, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams.
