Focus on Key Players as Springboks Square Off Against Tonga
Springboks Announce Lineup for Tonga Clash
The South African rugby team, the Springboks, have announced their starting lineup for the upcoming game against Tonga, with several notable changes and returns.
After his last appearance in the green and gold jersey at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Deon Fourie will make a return to the field, this time representing Hilton College. Fourie, aged 37, will start in his 10th Test for the Springboks as a loose forward, making his first start in the No. 2 green and gold jersey.
Another significant return is that of Handre Pollard, who will make his much-anticipated return to the Bok fold after an injury absence. Pollard's goal-kicking form has been erratic this season, which cost the Boks dearly in their loss to Ireland. However, he has been warned not to expect wonders in his comeback game due to his recent injury.
In the midfield, Canan Moodie will continue in the experiment started against New Zealand and Romania. Moodie's combination of speed, skill, and size makes him a solid option for the midfield against Tonga. Moodie looked promising in his last two Tests, and his x-factor could see him hold onto the starting berth, despite Jesse Kriel being the favorite to start in the likely quarterfinal clash against France.
The coaches have opted for an otherwise unbalanced back row of Siya Kolisi, Jasper Wiese, and Vermeulen, emphasizing physicality in the Bok camp. Vermeulen will start at blindside flank instead of his usual role of eighthman in the game against Tonga. Vermeulen has started on the side of the scrum only once in his 72 Tests, during back-to-back games on the 2018 end-of-year tour.
Marco van Staden will wear the No. 16 jersey for the first time. Fourie will play a key role at the breakdown and his main mission will be to be on target with his throw-ins.
Malcolm Marx's injury and the call-up of Handre Pollard have left the Boks with only one recognized hooker, Bongi Mbonambi, and Fourie as third-choice cover. This could potentially put more pressure on Fourie to perform well in his new role.
The Springboks' starting lineup for the game against Tonga also includes Duane Vermeulen and Deon Fourie. Orie, who will join French club Perpignan after the World Cup, made his Bok debut in 2018 and has 15 Test caps to his name. This could potentially be his last appearance for the Springboks.
The game against Tonga is an important one for the Springboks as they look to build momentum towards the quarterfinals. With several key players returning and a new midfield experiment in place, the Springboks will be hoping to put in a strong performance.
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