Boks set to unleash surprise debutant against Australia?

This week the Boks unveiled a 34-man squad for the Australian leg of the Rugby Championship, with uncapped Canan Moodie incomes a call-up for his first tour in a settled nationwide squad.

LATEST: BIG INJURY WORRY FOR BOKS AHEAD OF TOUR

Moodie, who was known as up to the squad as utility again cowl following the suspension handed to wing Kurt-Lee Arendse for a harmful deal with, will journey with the Springboks for the primary time, offering cowl at wing and fullback.

His presence additionally fills the void left by Cheslin Kolbe, who’s on the highway to restoration from a damaged jaw, which can see him solely return for the final Test against Argentina.

Jesse Kriel will even have to see out a interval of relaxation and recuperation after struggling a concussion, and so the Boks will want to make one other huge name on the correct wing when it comes to their subsequent Tests.

With Kolbe injured and Arendse seeing out a suspension, Warrick Gelant could also be backed on the wing, or younger Moodie may very well be one other thrilling choice.

PLAYER RATINGS | WHO FIRED – AND WHO FLOPPED – FOR THE SPRINGBOKS

Interestingly, coach Jacques Nienaber ‘name-dropped’ Moodie as a attainable like-for-like substitute, and it may very well be an attractive alternative for the Boks to again Moodie against both Australia or Argentina.

“We are also excited to see how Canan slots in during the next few weeks and to see how he adapts to our structures and systems, and we believe he has the skills to slot in for Kurt-Lee and Cheslin,” the Bok coach commented.

Notably, the Boks have additionally backed one-cap Deon Fourie to present cowl at hooker, with Malcolm Marx and Joseph Dweba the opposite frontline choices.

Fourie may supply an outstanding utility choice on the bench whereas the Boks are on tour contemplating he may also play capably within the free trio.

Meanwhile, Bulls coach Jake White has reiterated his perception that Canan Moodie will play ‘100 Tests’ for South Africa.

“Canan is likely one of the greatest gamers I’ve ever coached. He’s solely 19 however he’s far more mature than that. He’s obtained all the things. He’s truly a centre and that’s the irony of the entire thing. He’s enjoying wing and fullback however he’s truly a 13. Many nice gamers reminiscent of Ma’a Nonu and Jaque Fourie began as wings and fullbacks and ended up being nice centres.

“He’s going to make it … he’s going to play 100 Tests for South Africa.”

Notably, Stormers star Evan Roos has not been included within the touring group, whereas Cobus Reinach has recovered from harm and can add another choice at scrumhalf.

BIG READ | BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD FOR SPRINGBOKS