Headline: Springboks to Field Mix of Experience and Promising Talent Against Wallabies
The Springboks are set to showcase a blend of seasoned regulars and promising young players in their upcoming Test against the Wallabies in Pretoria, according to reports.
Head coach Jacques Nienaber will soon announce the matchday-23 for the clash against Australia, with several intriguing selection decisions on the horizon.
Following a similar approach used in 2019, the Springboks have adopted a split-squad system for the Rugby Championship. This strategy will see a group of players and management members travel to Auckland this week to prepare for their second-round game against the All Blacks on July 15.
This arrangement presents a prime opportunity for emerging talents to stake their claim for a spot in the final 33-player squad that will represent the Springboks in the upcoming World Cup in France.
Reports suggest that Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie, both of whom made their Test debuts in 2022, will feature prominently alongside the seasoned fullback, Willie le Roux. Additionally, Andre Esterhuizen is expected to compete for the coveted No. 12 jersey alongside Lukhanyo Am.
Flyhalf Manie Libbok, another player who made his Springbok debut last year, is likely to form a dynamic halfback partnership with Cobus Reinach, who is among the five scrumhalves in the wider squad.
Notably, Jean Kleyn, who has been granted clearance by World Rugby to switch his international allegiance from Ireland, may make his first appearance for the Springboks. Kleyn could potentially form a second-row partnership with his Munster teammate, RG Snyman, marking Snyman's return to Test rugby after a hiatus since 2019.
In the absence of captain Siya Kolisi, who is recovering from a knee ligament injury, the Springboks are deliberating between Duane Vermeulen and Lukhanyo Am to lead the team.
Possible Springbok starting lineup:
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Jean Kleyn, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche
Source: SA Rugby Mag, Image: Daily Maverick
