Opening contest of Rugby Championship witnesses Libbok taking charge for Boks
The South Africa Springboks have announced their starting lineup for the upcoming clash against the Wallabies in Cape Town, featuring several changes following their previous loss.
In the halfback position, Grant Williams and Handre Pollard will pair up, known for their strong partnership. Captaincy duties will be shouldered by Jesse Kriel, who is leading the team for the second time, deputizing for the injured Siya Kolisi. Kriel is also accompanied by Ox Nche as vice-captain for the first time.
The back row and scrum key players include experienced players like Jean-Luc du Preez, Franco Mostert, and Marco van Staden. The front row, comprising Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, and Ox Nche, forms a strong scrum foundation. Ruan Nortje and RG Snyman form the second row.
Eben Etzebeth is set to extend his record as the most capped Springbok of all time, with this match marking his 134th Test match. Etzebeth and Lood de Jager lock the scrum. However, Cheslin Kolbe is absent due to management caution.
The Springboks have an unbeaten run of seven matches at Ellis Park against the Wallabies and have a chance to win five successive Tests against the Wallabies for the first time since 1971. The team boasts a total of 725 Test caps in the starting line-up.
Damian de Allende is dealing with a back niggle, and his replacement in the backline is yet to be announced. Edwill van der Merwe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Aphelele Fassi will start in the back three. Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Wilco Louw form the front row.
Rassie Erasmus has opted for a traditional bench of five forwards and three backs. Andre Esterhuizen partners Jesse Kriel in the midfield. The Boks feature 18 Rugby World Cup winners and three players with five Test caps or fewer.
Siya Kolisi's starting berth will see him reach 94 Test caps, requiring six more appearances to reach 100. Kolisi captains the team and will don the No. 8 jersey for the first time in a Test. The Springboks have won six of their last 10 matches against the Wallabies, with their last defeat being in Adelaide in 2022.
Quintin Van Jaarsveld, a freelance sports writer with over 15 years of experience, provides insights into the team's preparations and strategies. The Springboks aim to continue their winning streak against the Wallabies and secure another victory in Cape Town.
In the world of sports betting, many predict a promising performance from the Springboks against the Wallabies, given their unbeaten run at Ellis Park against the latter. Rassie Erasmus has selected a traditional bench, with both Andre Esterhuizen and Jesse Kriel featuring in the midfield – Kriel being the team's vice-captain for the first time. On the other hand, sports analysts are keeping an eye on the injury situation of Damian de Allende and his possible replacement in the backline.
