Every Springboks squad named is followed by the inevitable moans and groans from the public and media alike. And Jacques Nienaber’s reduced group of 32 players for the November Internationals is no different.
The omissions of Elrich Louw, Evan Roos, Ruan Nortje, and Warrick Gelant left many questioning whether Nienaber has missed a trick or simply ignored domestic form.
The injuries have also mounted up for the Boks, with Faf de Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe, Rynhardt Elstadt, Nico Janse van Rensburg and Frans Malherbe all ruled out alongside RG Snyman and Pieter-Steph du Toit.
After announcing his squad, which included just two uncapped players in scrumhalf Grant Williams and lock Salmaan Moerat, Nienaber explained the ommissions of in-form players.
“Guys like Evan have put in some proper individual performances, but the key is now to put in consistent performances and kick on in teams that are performing consistently, not only at an individual level,” Nienaber said.
A significant overhaul was unlikely to happen ahead of the November internationals. And although it doesn’t seem like it, Nienaber has had a look at a diverse pool of ‘fringe players’ throughout the year.
Rosko Specman, Nico Janse van Rensburg, Joseph Dweba, Jaden Hendrikse, Jasper Wiese, and Aphelele Fassi all earned test debuts in 2021, while the likes of Ox Nche, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden and Damian Willemse have gained a great deal of test experience during the Lions Series and Rugby Championship.
So let’s address the current squad picked for the internationals against Scotland, Wales and England.
FRONT ROW
The unavailability of Frans Malherbe is a significant blow up-front. But the Springboks have built incredible depth in the propping department since 2018.
Thomas du Toit has been recalled into the squad after he left Australia early due to personal reasons. The Sharks’ prop has been outstanding for the Durban-based side during the United Rugby Championship and will want to press on for a place in the matchday 23. Du Toit’s ability to play on both sides of the scrum adds tremendous value on the pitch as well as in training.
With Trevor Nyakane in arguably the form of his career at loosehead and tighthead prop, the Springboks will feel bullish about their chances of gaining dominance in the set-pieces against the three Home Nations.
Nyakane, Ox Nche and Steven Kitshoff comfortably dealt with Tadhg Furlong and Kyle Sinckler during the Lions Series. At the same time, Vincent Koch continues to operate at a world-class level off the pine.
As for the hookers, Johan Grobbelaar has slipped out of the squad with Bongi Mbonambi, Malcolm Marx, and Joseph Dweba naturally staying on. Dweba is likely to feature in at least one of the three tests, possibly Scotland, while the starting jumper could rotate between Marx and Mbonambi.
THE LOCKS
The second-row stocks have felt a slight pinch yet, the addition of Salmaan Moerat goes a long way in mitigating any concerns.
Janse van Rensburg showed encouraging signs on debut for the Boks while there is still an RG Snyman sized void in the squad.
Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager are possibly the best locking combination in world rugby. Etzebeth and Mostert are not far behind.
Like Nyakane, Mostert is perhaps in the form of his career, and the hard grafting 30-year-old is likely to feature in all three tests. A return to the blindside flanker role is on the cards for Mostert. If not, a place in the bomb squad or second row will suffice.
Depending on the configuration of the bomb squad, Moerat and Orie may well spend November carrying the tackle bags and analysing the opposition.
THE LOOSIES
The loose trio is a hot topic in all Springbok squads, and the absence of Pieter-Steph du Toit has only added fuel to the fiery debate.
Franco Mostert could return to the number seven jumper with the bigger packs in the Northern Hemisphere calling for a more traditional blindside flanker mould than that of Kwagga Smith.
This year, Smith has been exceptional for the Springboks, barring his below-par performance in the first Lions Series test. His performances against the All Blacks could see him retain his starting role.
Kolisi and Vermeulen look nailed on starters for all three test matches, with the final spot in the back row up for grabs. Here is where Nienaber has the freedom to experiment.
Marco van Staden has been in blockbuster form for the Springboks and has carried on in that vein for Leicester Tigers in the Premiership. Vermeulen’s lineout ability and Kolisi’s well-rounded game means that the Springboks could start two openside flankers, as they did against the All Blacks, during November. That loose trio could work wonders against Scotland, who have a similar attacking approach to the game as the Kiwis.
Marco van Staden’s carry v Worcester Warriors.
Jasper Wiese could also star in a back rower with Duane and Siya. The physical presence of Wiese could be ideal for the games against Wales and England, who have potent packs at their disposal.
HALFBACKS
There are no real surprises at scrumhalf following the injury to Faf de Klerk.
Sanele Nohamba, Jaden Hendrikse and Grant Williams seem to be on equal footing in the pecking order with the Springboks. Williams’ continued inclusions in the squad may well be down to Nienaber wanting to keep a closer eye on the young nine and get him more accustomed to the Springbok structures.
Cobus Reinach filled in for Faf in the Lions Series decider and will likely have the inside line to the starting jumper. Jantjies should get at least one start on tour, while a test debut for Williams seems unlikely next month.
Morne Steyn’s retirement from international rugby means the Springboks have picked just two out-and-out flyhalves in Handre Pollard and Elton Jantjies. Damian Willemse and Frans Steyn will cover the role if needed.
Jantjies showed his value as a member of the bomb squad and could force Nienaber’s hand in the composition of his bench, while a start is not out of the question after his heroics against New Zealand.
Elton Jantjies’ clutch drop goal against New Zealand
MIDFIELD
Is it time to experiment?
Only the French pairing of Gael Fickou and Virimi Vakatawa comes close to the partnership of Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am at the moment. The Bok pairing is quickly challenging the de Villiers-Fourie combo as the best the Boks have had, but is it time to prepare for the worst?
Lukhanyo Am’s pass against New Zealand
The Springboks lost Jean de Villiers to injury during the 2007 and 2015 Rugby World Cups, with Jesse Kriel falling to an injury in 2019. On the last of those three occasions, Frans Steyn filled the void on the bench, taking starting role in the first, with de Allende and Kriel taking the reins in 2015.
With Kriel, Willemse and Steyn all options in the midfield, one must think that a tough test against one of the three Home Nations could answer the ‘what if?’
A test start in the #12 jersey against Scotland could be the perfect opportunity for Willemse to make his case. Alternatively, Kriel would be a reliable alternative in the #13 jersey in all three tests. Nienaber also can test the Jantjies-Pollard axis during the tour with Lukhanyo Am at outside centre.
If it were up to me, Willemse would get a start at inside centre against Scotland. Kriel at outside-centre against Wales, with de Allende on his inside, and Jantjies coming off the bench early in one of the three tests with Pollard slipping into the midfield. The test against England would see De Allende and Am resume their partnership.
These are bold calls, and with four defeats in 2021 already, I can’t see Nienaber making too many of them.
OUTSIDE BACKS
Cheslin Kolbe’s absence on the right wing has given Sbu Nkosi an unprecedented amount of game time in the starting lineup, and the Sharks’ speedster has risen to the challenge! Makazole Mapimpi has been equally effective on the opposite wing.
The Springboks’ game plan is heavily reliant on the ability of the wingers in the air as well as their defensive capabilities. The Sharks duo have been superb in both departments on all but one occasion – the second test against Australia.
Despite their strong displays during the Rugby Championship, an opportunity HAS to come Aphelele Fassi’s way in at least one of the three internationals. Considering the quality of opposition the Springboks face in Europe this tour, it is unlikely that Fassi will get a run out at fullback in any of the three tests. Still, a place on the wing is undoubtedly on the cards.
Fassi started on the left-wing in his test matches against Georgia and Argentina, respectively. This leads me to think that he will replace Mapimpi in at least one of the three test matches.
The pitchforks will be light and axes sharpened by fans for Willie Le Roux before the first blast of the whistle at the Principality Stadium on November 6. But despite popular belief, Le Roux is still comfortably the best option for the Springboks at fullback.
Yes, his two dropped balls from kickoffs resulted in points for the All Blacks in our most recent test match. Still, Le Roux is essential in driving our attack, particularly in combination with Pollard. Frans Steyn was superb with his 50:22s against the Kiwis. But this is not a skill limited to the two time World Cup winner, with Le Roux attempting the skill on multiple occasions and coming up just short.
Frans Steyn’s 50:22 against New Zealand
His left boot adds variety to our kicking options, while no other player covers our backfield quite as efficiently as Willie. If we want to evolve our attacking game, Le Roux is the crucial component.
I predict that Le Roux will start all three tests this November. There is space for Willemse to start one of the three tests while a cameo from Steyn or Fassi is enticing a prospect.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Jacques has selected a strong squad brimming with experience and a touch of inexperience. A quarter of the Springbok squad heads into the first test at the Principality with fewer than 10 test caps under their belt, eight with 50+ and another two who could hit 50 on tour.
The Springbok head coach could have easily added a few more inexperienced heads in his squad. However, the unlikeness that they would even take the pitch makes their exclusions understandable.
Evan Roos, Ruan Nortje and Elrigh Louw can continue to knock on the door against the bulky packs from the North. And when the June internationals come around, we will have a more distinct understanding of just how prepared they are to make the step up.
The du Preez brothers have the opportunity of an extended run with Sale Sharks, and with Champions Cup fixtures looming, they have the ideal chance to prove Nienaber wrong.
As for Warrick Gelant, perhaps more time in the domestic saddle will do him a world of good after a lengthy injury lay-off. And will mean that he is better prepared for test rugby when called upon.
When Rassie and Jacques took control of the Springboks in 2018, they strived to restore respect to the Green and Gold jersey. One of the driving factors in doing that was making it incredibly difficult to become a Springbok, forcing players to earn their place.
This squad selection further highlights that this approach has not altered under Nienaber’s tutelage.
The unavailability of Frans Malherbe is a significant blow up-front. But the Springboks have built incredible depth in the propping department since 2018.
Thomas du Toit has been recalled into the squad after he left Australia early due to personal reasons. The Sharks’ prop has been outstanding for the Durban-based side during the United Rugby Championship and will want to press on for a place in the matchday 23. Du Toit’s ability to play on both sides of the scrum adds tremendous value on the pitch as well as in training.
With Trevor Nyakane in arguably the form of his career at loosehead and tighthead prop, the Springboks will feel bullish about their chances of gaining dominance in the set-pieces against the three Home Nations.
Nyakane, Ox Nche and Steven Kitshoff comfortably dealt with Tadhg Furlong and Kyle Sinckler during the Lions Series. At the same time, Vincent Koch continues to operate at a world-class level off the pine.
As for the hookers, Johan Grobbelaar has slipped out of the squad with Bongi Mbonambi, Malcolm Marx, and Joseph Dweba naturally staying on. Dweba is likely to feature in at least one of the three tests, possibly Scotland, while the starting jumper could rotate between Marx and Mbonambi.
The second-row stocks have felt a slight pinch yet, the addition of Salmaan Moerat goes a long way in mitigating any concerns.
Janse van Rensburg showed encouraging signs on debut for the Boks while there is still an RG Snyman sized void in the squad.
Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager are possibly the best locking combination in world rugby. Etzebeth and Mostert are not far behind.
Like Nyakane, Mostert is perhaps in the form of his career, and the hard grafting 30-year-old is likely to feature in all three tests. A return to the blindside flanker role is on the cards for Mostert. If not, a place in the bomb squad or second row will suffice.
Depending on the configuration of the bomb squad, Moerat and Orie may well spend November carrying the tackle bags and analysing the opposition.
There are no real surprises at scrumhalf following the injury to Faf de Klerk.
Sanele Nohamba, Jaden Hendrikse and Grant Williams seem to be on equal footing in the pecking order with the Springboks. Williams’ continued inclusions in the squad may well be down to Nienaber wanting to keep a closer eye on the young nine and get him more accustomed to the Springbok structures.
Cobus Reinach filled in for Faf in the Lions Series decider and will likely have the inside line to the starting jumper. Jantjies should get at least one start on tour, while a test debut for Williams seems unlikely next month.
Morne Steyn’s retirement from international rugby means the Springboks have picked just two out-and-out flyhalves in Handre Pollard and Elton Jantjies. Damian Willemse and Frans Steyn will cover the role if needed.
Jantjies showed his value as a member of the bomb squad and could force Nienaber’s hand in the composition of his bench, while a start is not out of the question after his heroics against New Zealand.
Cheslin Kolbe’s absence on the right wing has given Sbu Nkosi an unprecedented amount of game time in the starting lineup, and the Sharks’ speedster has risen to the challenge! Makazole Mapimpi has been equally effective on the opposite wing.
The Springboks’ game plan is heavily reliant on the ability of the wingers in the air as well as their defensive capabilities. The Sharks duo have been superb in both departments on all but one occasion – the second test against Australia.
Despite their strong displays during the Rugby Championship, an opportunity HAS to come Aphelele Fassi’s way in at least one of the three internationals. Considering the quality of opposition the Springboks face in Europe this tour, it is unlikely that Fassi will get a run out at fullback in any of the three tests. Still, a place on the wing is undoubtedly on the cards.
Fassi started on the left-wing in his test matches against Georgia and Argentina, respectively. This leads me to think that he will replace Mapimpi in at least one of the three test matches.
The pitchforks will be light and axes sharpened by fans for Willie Le Roux before the first blast of the whistle at the Principality Stadium on November 6. But despite popular belief, Le Roux is still comfortably the best option for the Springboks at fullback.
Yes, his two dropped balls from kickoffs resulted in points for the All Blacks in our most recent test match. Still, Le Roux is essential in driving our attack, particularly in combination with Pollard. Frans Steyn was superb with his 50:22s against the Kiwis. But this is not a skill limited to the two time World Cup winner, with Le Roux attempting the skill on multiple occasions and coming up just short.
