Siya Kolisi has been confirmed as Springbok skipper for the opening Test within the three-match collection towards Wales at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday, 2 July.
When Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber named his 43-man preliminary squad, no point out of a captain was made.
Although it was a foregone conclusion that Kolisi would proceed as captain, something can – and does – occur in South African sport!
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Meanwhile, Salmaan Moerat and Elrigh Louw are in line to make their Springbok debuts from the replacements bench, with Nienaber opting for a settled squad as they aim a robust begin to the season.
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Moerat, who was a member of the Springbok touring squad for final season’s UK tour, and Louw have been a stand-out performers for the Stormers and Bulls, respectively, within the United Rugby Championship this season, and given their tremendous kind for their franchises, Nienaber shall be anticipating them to make a huge impact off in what’s a robust bench for the match.
Damian Willemse will begin at fullback and Elton Jantjies at flyhalf in a backline that includes a number of acquainted faces, in wings Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe, centres Lukhanyo Am and Damian de Allende, and scrumhalf Faf de Klerk.
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In the entrance row, Frans Malherbe and Ox Nché will pack down on both aspect of Bongi Mbonambi (hooker), Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager will be a part of forces at lock, and Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will kind a free trio with Franco Mostert and Jasper Wiese. Am will serve as vice-captain for the match.
With a bodily onslaught anticipated from Wales, Nienaber opted for a six-two break up on the replacements bench, with Herschel Jantjies (scrumhalf) and veteran fullback Willie le Roux offering cowl among the many backs, whereas the forwards comprise the impactful entrance row of Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff and Vincent Koch, Moerat, Louw and versatile free ahead Kwagga Smith.
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“We have a talented group of players, and we believe the matchday squad we selected ticks the boxes in terms of what we would like to achieve in the opening Test against Wales,” mentioned Nienaber.
“We have the added advantage of having several players that are quite versatile, so a guy like Damian Willemse for example can cover flyhalf and centre in addition to fullback, while Kwagga covers each of the loose forward positions and can even slot in at wing with his Blitzbok experience.
“Franco also gives us options at loose forward and lock, so we look forward to seeing what this team can produce on Saturday.”
Nienaber was delighted to supply Moerat and Louw – who’re each former Junior Springbok gamers and have made a constant influence for their respective franchises over the previous couple of seasons – a chance to begin on the replacements bench.
“We have a fantastic crop of young players who have really been working hard at training and putting up their hands, and it is pleasing for us as coaches to give Salmaan and Elrigh this opportunity,” mentioned the Springbok coach.
“Salmaan was with us on our tour to the UK last season, and despite being so young he brings a different sense of experience as a former Junior Springbok and SA Schools captain, while Elrigh also featured in a World Rugby U20 Championship and has been playing senior provincial rugby for a while.
“We have a plan for the season in terms of giving some of the young players a chance to show what they can do at international level, while at the same time taking stock of the seasoned campaigners and where they are in terms of their rugby.
“Unfortunately, with such a big squad there will always be a few unlucky players, but it is a fine balancing act to ensure we win Tests, build squad depth, and transform as a team in the way we play.
“We have a plan for the season in terms of giving some of the young players a chance to show what they can do at international level, while at the same time taking stock of the seasoned campaigners and where they are in terms of their rugby.
“This is a long season with the Wales series, the Rugby Championship, the year-end tour where we are also hoping to play a few SA ‘A’ games, while we are also looking further ahead to next year’s Rugby World Cup.
“That said, we are looking forward to seeing what Salmaan and Elrigh have to offer if they get the opportunity to take the field.”
Nienaber anticipated a troublesome take a look at towards Wales, saying they may give every little thing as they give the impression of being to show issues round following a disappointing Six Nations marketing campaign.
“Wales have been training together for a few weeks now and we have no doubt that they will give everything against us on Saturday,” mentioned Nienaber.
“They are an experienced squad, and they have top class players in their ranks – some of which represented the British &Irish Lions last year – so we are expecting a hard grind of a Test.
“They have physical forwards and backs that spark something from nothing, so we need to deliver a quality performance in order to get our season off to a strong start.”
Kick-off is at 17:05.
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Springbok crew to face Wales:
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche
Substitutes: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Willie le Roux