Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus surprisingly did not select Handre Pollard for the Boks rematch against the All Blacks in Wellington.
Springboks veterans Handre Pollard, Eben Etzebeth, Jessie Kriel and Damien de Allende were all left out of the recent Boks squad named to take on New Zealand in Wellington.
However, none of these stars are injured. So, why was the incumbent Bok flyhalf left out of the team?
POLLARD RESTED, MNGOMEZULU PROMOTED TO STARTING XV
Pollard is one of the key Springboks players being rested by Rassie.
Speaking to the SA media, Rassie confirmed that Pollard, Etzebeth, Kriel, and de Allende have not been dropped. Instead, he confirmed that they are being rested.
Furthermore, Erasmus wants to rotate his squad to give more of his players a chance to experience test rugby against the All Blacks in New Zealand.
Thus, giving the Sacha-Feinberg MngomeZulu a golden chance to start in the coveted Springboks number 10 jersey in New Zealand. This will no doubt be the biggest Test match of his career.
GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY IN THE GREEN GOLD FOR THESE STARS
Additionally, Ethan Hooker and Canan Moodie have been handed rare starts.
For Hooker, this is his first Bok start. Meanwhile, Moodie steps up for Kriel, who has captained the Boks in a couple of Test matches this year. Including, last week’s 24-17 defeat to the All Blacks in Eden Park.
He has some big boots to fill as he steps up Kurt-Lee Arendse. Arendse is one of the most in-form players in the Springboks at the moment. Additionally, Rassie is placing enough faith in Hooker to start Bok veteran, Makazole Mapimpi.
So, this will be a golden opportunity for Hooker and Moodie to stake their claim for future Springboks selection under Rassie. Furthermore, this will also be the ultimate test of what they are made of.
Playing the All Blacks in NZ is one of the hardest challenges and greatest honours. Now, for the in-form rising stars of tomorrow, it is time to be and become a star today.
BOKS VS ALL BLACKS: TEAMS, OFFICIALS AND MATCH DETAILS
Springboks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Lood de Jager, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.
All Blacks – 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Ruben Love.
Date: Saturday, September 8
Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium
Kick-off: 09.05 SA time
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF RASSIE RESTING HANDRE POLLARD FOR THE REMATCH AGAINST THE ALL BLACKS AT WELLINGTON? HOW DO YOU THINK MNGOMEZULU WILL DO AND CAN THE BOKS RETURN TO WINNING WAYS DOWN UNDER?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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