Jacques Nienaber is shaking things up for the Springboks, and it’s got everyone talking.
SPRINGBOKS TO FACE ROMANIA IN BORDEAUX:
Springbok team to face Romania in Bordeaux:
15 – Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls) – 88 caps, 65 pts (13t)
14 – Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 6 caps, 0 points
13 – Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls) – 8 caps, 20 pts (4t)
12 – Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins) – 14 caps, 0 pts
11 – Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 39 caps, 115 pts (23t)
10 – Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers) – 34 caps, 41 pts (3t, 4c, 4pg, 2dg)
9 – Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) – 27 caps, 45 pts (9t)
8 – Duane Vermeulen (SA Rugby) – 71 caps, 15 pts (3t)
7 – Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 34 caps, 30 pts (6t)
6 – Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls) – 15 caps, 0 points
5 – Marvin Orie (DHL Stormers) – 14 caps, 0 pts
4 – Jean Kleyn (Munster) – 4 caps, 0 pts (Ireland 5 caps)
3 – Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 46 caps, 0 pts
2 – Bongi Mbonambi (captain, Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 63 caps, 65 points (13t)
1 – Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 22 caps, 0 points
Replacements:
16 – Deon Fourie (DHL Stormers) – 7 caps, 0 pts
17 – Steven Kitshoff (Ulster) – 77 caps, 10 points (2t)
18 – Trevor Nyakane (Racing 92) – 63 caps, 5 points (1t)
19 – RG Snyman (Munster) – 29 caps, 5 points (1t)
20 – Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers) – 24 caps, 5 points (1t)
21 – Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 13 caps, 12 pts (2t, 1c)
22 – Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles) – 50 caps, 46 points (5t, 3c, 5pg)
23 – Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 63 caps, 70 points (14t)
Four Scrumhalves? Really?
Nienaber has made a surprising move by including all four scrumhalves in the squad. Cobus Reinach will start at scrumhalf, and Jaden Hendrikse will be providing cover from the bench. Grant Williams, who usually plays scrumhalf, is showing off his versatility by starting on the right wing. And wait for it – Faf de Klerk will be the flyhalf cover from the bench! Talk about mixing it up.
Versatility is Key
The only player from the starting XV who continues from the last week’s victory over Scotland is Damian Willemse. He’s switching from fullback to flyhalf. It’s a bold move, but it seems Coach Nienaber believes in his adaptability and skills to make the switch seamlessly.
“People were surprised when we picked four scrumhalves in the squad but we knew they offered us the skills and versatility to provide backline options to manage the challenges that tournament rugby gives you.”
And he’s right – having players who can switch positions is like having a Swiss Army knife on the field.
New Faces in the Starting Team
There are 14 other personnel changes in the starting team! Canan Moodie and Jean Kleyn are back after being unavailable due to injuries with Moodie set to partner with Andre Esterhuizen in the midfield. Kleyn joins Marvin Orie in the engine room.
Willie le Roux’s Return
The experienced Willie le Roux is back and jumping from the bench to the starting lineup at fullback. Makazole Mapimpi will be keeping him company on the wing. The Springboks are clearly making some powerful moves here.
Solid Forward Pack
Let’s not forget about the forwards. Coach Nienaber has named a quality forward pack with Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, and Bongi Mbonambi forming a formidable front row. Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith, and Duane Vermeulen are creating a new-look loose trio. Deon Fourie is the back-up hooker on the bench, along with a strong set of forwards.
Exciting Young Talent
Nienaber also highlighted the blend of experience and youth in the squad. He mentioned that this squad includes Rugby World Cup winners and some of the best young talents in the country. It’s all about building momentum and ensuring the squad remains sharp and match-fit throughout the competition.
The match kicks off at 15h00 on Sunday and will be broadcast live on SuperSport and SABC.
