Earlier this week, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus admitted that Siya Kolisi was “touch and go” in terms of his availability to face the All Blacks this Saturday after only just recovering from a knee injury.
Erasmus also revealed that Morne van den Berg recently suffered a niggle at training, which led to the call up of Faf de Klerk to provide further scrumhalf cover. It also remains to be seen if Willie le Roux is back to 100% after withdrawing from the last Test against the Wallabies due to an injury.
Jean-Luc du Preez also withdrew from that game as the result of ‘illness’, and although he is believed to have overcome that, there is talk that he could now be battling with a bit of a knee issue.
If Du Preez is unavailable, and the Springboks also opt not to risk Kolisi (as Erasmus implied would probably be the case), then it just leaves Kwagga Smith to slot in at No 8 because Jasper Wiese only finishes serving his suspension after this weekend.
There really isn’t any other recognised option at No 8, and the Springboks will be desperately hoping that Kolisi or Du Preez can at least perhaps feature on the bench in order to ensure there is some form of eighthman cover.
Ultimately, it’s no wonder Erasmus admitted it would be a ‘nervy’ week for a multitude of reasons.
Commenting on the decision to name his team on Thursday as opposed to Tuesday, Erasmus said there were a few contributing factors to the call.
“It’s a tough match for both sides, and they are a team that analyse thoroughly,” he said.
“Over and above that, we are not sure what team they’ll announce, while we also have a few injured players at home, and one or two who are not available for selection this week, so there’s a bit of an unknown factor for us both. By announcing our team later in the week, we believe it will even things out more.”
Latest Springboks squad:
Forwards: Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese.
Backs: Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams, Damian Willemse.
HOW DO YOU THINK THE TEAM COULD LOOK THIS WEEK?
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