Springboks directly address concerns after axe swing selection

The Springboks have moved to allay concerns following a swinging selection overhaul for their second Test against Italy, with captain Salmaan Moerat and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick insisting the changes reflect the depth and trust within the squad rather than panic.

Having surged to a 28-3 halftime lead before stuttering to a 42-24 win in Pretoria, the Boks have swung the axe ahead of the Gqeberha clash.

With a trio of new faces – Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese and Ethan Hooker – set for Test debuts and several others returning from rotation, Stick was unequivocal about the strategy.

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“We trust all the players in our squad, and every player in the team deserves their spot,” said Stick. “We have also always emphasised the importance of building squad depth, and while some of the players had a chance against the Barbarians and are getting another chance this week, others are receiving their first opportunity.

“Every player knows what our focus is and what needs to be done, so hopefully we can go out there and do the job on Saturday.”

Team Form

Last 5 Games

0 - 73

13 - 24

14 - 32

17 - 32

61 - 7

31 - 17

23 - 18

33 - 8

20 - 13

18 - 15

5

Wins

2

5

Streak

1

21

Tries Scored

9

171

Points Difference

-38

3/5

First Try

1/5

3/5

First Points

2/5

3/5

Race To 10 Points

3/5

A win is not a given. Italy’s second-half rally in the first Test reminded the Boks of the potential threat posed by a squad drawn predominantly from URC outfits Benetton and Zebre.

“They are a very physical team, so it’s going to be a massive game,” said the Stormers lock.

“We are certainly not underestimating them. They are a passionate side that are mainly formed from two clubs, so they have been playing together for a while, and they pride themselves on their set pieces, while they also have quality backs with a good kicking game, and they showed real fight at the breakdowns last week, so we have to fight fire with fire.”

That sentiment was echoed by Stick, who noted the strides Italy have made since their Six Nations campaign.

“Last week we started with good intensity, but they bounced back strongly in the second half. It’s clear how much they have grown since the Six Nations, where they also delivered a few quality performances.

“Adding to this, they have a well-organised kicking game and outside backs with energy, so we need to improve and be much more effective in the way we want to play the game.

“It’s our second official Test match of the season, but we know what our standards are as a team.”

Veteran fullback Willie le Roux set to win his 100th cap and both Stick and Moerat were fulsome in their praise of a player who has worn Bok criticism and expectation in equal measure.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

5

Draws

0

Wins

0

Average Points scored

46

12

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

60%

“To play 100 Test matches is a massive achievement,” said Stick. “The first time I met Willie was during my sevens rugby days, and if one looks back at what he has been through and how people criticised him in 2019, it makes us very proud of him. Many people don’t see what we see in him as a player and what a smart rugby player he is.”

Moerat added: “I grew up watching Willie play in Paarl and for Boland, and to see him play his 100th Test is unbelievable. To play one Test match for the Springboks is special, but to be selected 100 times shows the quality of the player he is.”

For Stick, who grew up in nearby New Brighton, the occasion carries personal weight, too.

“It’s very special because we know what tough times they have been through, not having a franchise nor hosting many matches here.

“We are extremely excited about the passionate support we have been receiving here, and hopefully we can make this a special match for the fans, Willie, the debutants (Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese, and Ethan Hooker), and the country as a whole.”

Moerat agreed.

“I last played here for the DHL Stormers against the Dragons a few years ago, and since then, there were not many games hosted here, so one can feel the excitement among the locals.

“They are avid rugby supporters, and they are going to come out in numbers, so the vibe at the stadium is going to be great.”

Springboks: 1. Thomas du Toit 2. Malcolm Marx 3. Wilco Louw 4. Salmaan Moerat 5. Ruan Nortje 6. Marco van Staden 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit 8. Jasper Wiese 9. Grant Williams 10. Manie Libbok 11. Makazole Mapimpi 12. Andre Esterhuizen 13. Canan Moodie 14. Edwill van der Merwe 15. Willie le Roux

Replacements: 16. Jan-Hendrik Wessels 17. Ox Nche 18. Asenathi Ntlabakanye 19. Cobus Wiese 20. Evan Roos 21. Cobus Reinach 22. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu 23. Ethan Hooker