Rassie Erasmus has named his Springboks team for their opening Rugby Championship match against the Wallabies at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Here are our winners and losers from the announcement.
Winners
Edwill van der Merwe
What an incredible start it’s been to his international journey. Not even on the Springboks radar for the majority of his career, Van der Merwe more than made up for his lack of action when he finally got the chance, scoring five tries in his opening three matches. He’s been rewarded with a start for South Africa in the opening match of the Rugby Championship, as he lines up as the only member of the matchday 23 to have never faced the Wallabies before. Cheslin Kolbe normally occupies the right wing, but due to a small injury keeping him out, Erasmus puts his trust in the new man, saying: “Edwill has been in good form this season, and it will be good to see what he brings in this match.”
Andre Esterhuizen
The giant centre was another who was overlooked for years, but now he’s fully immersed in the fold. Although he’s normally playing second fiddle to Damian de Allende the former Harlequins man has been entrusted with the starting spot while the former recovers from a minor injury. “Andre has been strong for us in the last few seasons,” said the Boks boss, “so it was an easy decision to name him alongside Jesse in the midfield.”
Manie Libbok
A huge statement of intent from Erasmus to select Libbok over the clutch Handre Pollard in the opener. The two fly-halves bring quality to the Springboks’ attack, but in different ways. The more expansive Libbok has been given the reins to unlock the Wallabies’ defence – a move that would have been analysed meticulously by the Boks boss. The 28-year-old has had his critics when it comes to his place-kicking abilities in the past, but his pros appear to greatly outweigh his cons.
Asenathi Ntlabakanye
With just one cap to his name, the 15okg + prop has been selected over the vastly experienced Vincent Koch. At 26 years old, Ntlabakanye has become a major part of the Lions’ URC efforts and is well deserving of his opportunity from the bench this week. If he’s able to make a big impact when he thunders onto the field, there’s no reason why he won’t be in line for many more caps.
Marco van Staden
Siya Kolisi’s move to number eight gives Van Staden an opportunity to make the number six shirt his own. The 29-year-old has spent much of his international career emerging from the bench – 32% of appearances to be exact – so this rare start indicates a real show of confidence from Erasmus, as he rewards Van Staden for his impressive club form for the Bulls
On selecting the back-row options, Erasmus said: “General play is probably what happens most and having a guy like Pieter, Marco and Siya on the field we really feel Australia’s a threat at the breakdown, they really fight hard at the breakdown and those guys clean out well at the breakdown and we feel we’re going to need that.”
Losers
Handre Pollard
One of the most clutch fly-halves in rugby history. At 31 years old, many would suggest that he’s currently in his prime and ready to potentially lead the way towards a record third consecutive World Cup win in 2027. The only issue is, he’s been dropped. Why? Well, only the Springboks coaching staff really know the answer to that one, but we’d surmise that Erasmus feels that Libbok’s gameplay style is better suited to face the Wallabies. This will still sting for Pollard, however, as he is a real competitor and will wish to be involved in every opportunity possible.
RG Snyman
Often considered one of the best locks in the world, it’s astonishing that the almost 7-foot giant isn’t included in the 23. Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager, alongside the obvious Eben Etzebeth, have been given the green light for the opening match as the former Munster man is forced to sit and watch from the sidelines.
Ruan Nortjé
Another lock that will be stewing for missing out on selection will be Nortjé. The 27-year-old Bulls player has been phenomenal for the Springboks over the summer. His performances, particularly in the lineout, have been second to none, as he orchestrated the infamous mid-pitch lineout/maul that proved so controversial against Italy. In the form of his life, he will be disappointed not to be included, at least on the bench for this opening match.
Morné van den Berg
Although he wasn’t nailed on to make the team, he will still be disappointed not to feature against the Wallabies at Ellis Park, in what is his home city of Johannesburg. The 27-year-old scrum-half has plenty of competition for the shirt, so he will have to up his game if he is to become the first choice number nine. So, to miss out on a special occasion like this will hurt.
