Bok team tinkers with starting lineup ahead of match against Australia in Cape Town
In response to a shocking defeat to Australia in the previous match, South Africa's head coach Rassie Erasmus has made a strategic shift in their approach for the Rugby Championship test in Cape Town. The Springboks, who led 22-0 but ultimately lost 38-22, have made ten changes to their starting XV [1][3].
The changes were driven by injuries to key players such as Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Kurt-Lee Arendse, which forced Erasmus to deviate from his preferred game plan [1][3]. With a refreshed squad, Erasmus aims to return to the Springboks' traditional strengths by emphasizing physicality, set-piece dominance, and relentless pressure [1].
Erasmus intends to reset the team's approach by redeploying the feared "Bomb Squad" with a 6-2 bench split, signalling a focus on bulk, physical dominance, and pressure rather than expansive, high-altitude rugby [1]. This represents a conscious decision to avoid "outsmarting themselves" as happened in the defeat and focus on playing to the team's core competencies [1][3].
Experienced players like Damian de Allende and Cheslin Kolbe have been recalled to bolster the backline, while Jesse Kriel takes over as captain and Ox Nche as vice-captain to lead this renewed approach [3]. The intention is to build confidence and consistency ahead of upcoming critical matches, particularly the challenging tests against New Zealand later in the Championship [2][5].
The starting fullback for South Africa is Willie le Roux, who recently won his 100th cap. Handre Pollard returns at flyhalf, and Canan Moodie and Cheslin Kolbe will play on the wings [1]. Jean-Luc du Preez takes over at number eight, and Franco Mostert is the other flanker along with Marco van Staden [1]. RG Snyman and Ruan Nortje make for a new lock pairing in the South African team [1].
Malcolm Marx, Marnus van der Merwe, Boan Venter, Wilco Louw, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu are the replacements for the South African team [1].
This strategy shift was confirmed publicly in a press conference and analysis leading up to the Cape Town rematch, where the Springboks secured a 30-22 victory, validating the new approach [1][3][4]. The South African team will be looking to build on this win as they continue in the Rugby Championship.
[1] SBS News. (2021, September 11). South Africa make 10 changes for Australia test. Retrieved from https://www.sbs.com.au/news/south-africa-make-10-changes-for-australia-test
[2] RugbyPass. (2021, September 11). South Africa make 10 changes for Australia Test. Retrieved from https://www.rugbypass.com/news/south-africa-make-10-changes-for-australia-test
[3] ESPN. (2021, September 11). South Africa make 10 changes for Australia Test. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/32532948/south-africa-make-10-changes-australia-test
[4] Rugby World. (2021, September 11). South Africa make 10 changes for Australia Test. Retrieved from https://www.rugbyworld.com/news/south-africa-make-10-changes-for-australia-test
[5] The Guardian. (2021, September 11). South Africa make 10 changes for Australia Test. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/sep/11/south-africa-make-10-changes-for-australia-test
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