The Springboks will head into this Saturday’s clash against Ireland knowing that it will be one of their greatest challenges of the year at a venue where they haven’t won since 2014.
After a new-look team got the job done against Italy, several players who were rested last weekend are set to come back into the selection mix for a blockbuster battle against an Ireland side that has become something of a ‘bogey’ opponent.
The Springboks’ team announcement this week will take place on Thursday, at around 14:45 (SA time).
HERE IS HOW THE SPRINGBOKS ARE LIKELY TO LINE UP AGAINST IRELAND
South Africa (probable): 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Boan Venter.
Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Andre Esterhuizen, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok.
Team effort
Over the three games so far on the November tour, Erasmus has done a great job of once again spreading out game-time while still enabling the team to secure the desired results.
Willemse is one player who has had a big responsibility as the solitary specialist fullback in the squad, and he said the Springboks were fully aware of the challenge that awaited this Saturday against Ireland.
“They are a very strong side with a good coaching staff as well, so they’ll be ready and prepared to come up with plans for us. We’ll go back to the drawing board on Monday and make sure we dial in our plans, so that we are ready for the challenge.”
Looking back at their victory against Italy and being named player of the match, Willemse said he was very happy.
“It was obviously a very tough game, and for me to get the award was mainly due to the forwards,” he said.
“The tight five did a hell of a job, especially when Franco (Mostert – who received a red card in the 12th minute) had to go off. We had to work really hard and come up with plans.
“So, overall, I’m pleased with the resilience and character everyone showed, and credit to the coaching staff too for making plans and coming up with solutions when we went down to 14 men. A lot of guys coming into the team, who hadn’t had a lot of game time, stepped up in a in a big game like this, and it gives us a lot of confidence”
