This is Rassie's first choice Springbok XV for the November Tests
The dust has hardly settled on the Rugby Championship and already we are turning our attention to the year-end internationals – writes Rugby365’s Jan de Koning.
While the Springboks are still stuck at No.5 in the world rankings – more than two rankings points behind fourth-placed England and almost 10 points behind first-placed New Zealand – they are indeed a lot closer to a top-three spot than it seems.
That will become evident when the Boks take on England, France, Scotland and Wales on consecutive Saturdays next month.
England (November 3) and Wales (November 24) are ranked just above the Boks at No.3 and No.4, while France (November 10) and Scotland (November 17) are both just below SA at No.6 and No.8.
However, the selection for these matches will carry far more significance than the rankings will.
It is the final opportunity for Bok coach Rassie Erasmus to get answers to the questions about his backup personnel.
His need to ‘build depth’ and give the backup players some much-needed game time will be the overriding factors.
After November there are only next year’s three Rugby Championship Tests and perhaps a couple of warm-up matches. Those will be used to get the first-choice team into shape.
Obviously, injuries will play a role in the final selection, but looking at Erasmus’ selections throughout 2018, his starting XV has an established look about it and will remain unchanged – unless injuries dictate otherwise.
It is when it comes to Erasmus’ backup selection that the picture is a lot murkier.
Jan de Koning takes a look at the selection options for November.
Fullback
First choice: Willie le Roux (Wasps, England)
One of the problematic positions. Le Roux won’t be available for all the matches on tour. For one, the opening match against England falls outside the international window. There is no clarity on whether Warrick Gelant has recovered from his shoulder injury.
Back-up options: Damian Willemse (Stormers/Western Province), Warrick Gelant (Bulls), Curwin Bosch (Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Toulouse, France – also not available for all the games), Frans Steyn (Montpellier)
Right wing
First choice: Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks)
The No.14 jersey has been blighted by injuries. Sibusiso Nkosi started against England in June, before an ankle injury to Nkosi opened the door for Mapimpi. When the latter was injured during the Rugby Championship in Australasia, Jessie Kriel started on the right wing against New Zealand in Wellington. Cheslin Kolbe started in the last two matches. Much will depend on the fitness tests of the various players in the next three weeks.
Back-up options: Sibusiso Nkosi (Sharks), Travis Ismaiel (Bulls), Lwazi Mvovo (Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Toulouse, France – also not available for all the games)
Outside centre
First choice: Jesse Kriel (Bulls)
Even though Lukhanyo Am, before he fractured his arm on Bok duty in New Zealand, started in the No.13 jersey, Kriel has since established himself as the premier outside centre. Am’s lack of game time – if he recovers in time – will also give Kriel another run in the midfield.
Back-up options: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Lionel Mapoe (Lions), Ruhan Nel (Western Province), Frans Steyn (Montpellier)
Inside centre
First choice: Damian de Allende (Stormers)
When he was first named by Erasmus, there were doubters abound. However, De Allende has begun to form a formidable midfield partnership with Kriel in the midfield. Some still feel Andre Esterhuizen deserves a chance and he may well get it on the year-end tour.
Back-up options: André Esterhuizen (Sharks), Frans Steyn (Montpellier), Damian Willemse (Stormers/Western Province), Rohan Janse van Rensburg (Sale Sharks)
Left wing
First choice: Aphiwe Dyantyi (Lions)
The options are plenty, but experience at international level is thin. Dyantyi has truly been one of the finds of the year – still raw, like an uncut diamond.
Back-up options: Lwazi Mvovo (Sharks), Courtnall Skosan (Lions), Dillyn Leyds (Western Province)
Flyhalf
First choice: Handré Pollard (Bulls)
Pollard had a rough patch midway through the year, but eventually settled down and started to live up to his potential. Not the finished product yet, but clearly settled and comfortable in the No.10 jersey.
Back-up options: Elton Jantjies (Lions), Damian Willemse (Stormers), Robert du Preez (Sharks), Frans Steyn (Montpellier)
Scrumhalf
First choice: Francois de Klerk (Sale Sharks, England)
After bursting onto the international stage in 2016, he was overlook the following year. Rassie Erasmus saw something very special and recalled him. Even more important, he found a way to utilise his unique talents. However, it is in the back-up column where the issue is – Ross Cronje’s season-ending in jury will mean there’s even less experience for the year-end tour.
Back-up options: Embrose Papier (Bulls), Ivan van Zyl (Bulls), Cameron Wright (Sharks)
No.8
First choice: Warren Whiteley (Lions)
One position where there is no shortage of quality or depth. Duane Vermeulen could just as easily be listed as a first choice. In both cases their leadership and experience make them invaluable assets. Whiteley’s big drawback is the constant injuries in recent seasons.
Back-up options: Duane Vermeulen (Kubota Spears, Japan), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Stormers), Dan du Preez (Sharks), Francois Louw (Bath, England)
Flank (No.7)
First choice: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers)
Just in case there are still some who don’t know, No.7 is a blindside flank in South Africa. Du Toit fits the bill perfectly – he is fast, strong, has a high workrate and can also play at lock. In fact he played at lock most of his early career. The return to fitness of Jean-Luc du Preez is a major boost for the Boks and will offset the injury to Teboho Mohojé. Captain Siyamthanda Kolisi could always move across or he can look at England-based Nizaam Carr.
Back-up options: Jean-Luc du Preez (Sharks), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Stormers), Francois Louw (Bath, England), Nizaam Carr (Wasps)
Flank (No.6)
First choice: Siya Kolisi (captain, Stormers)
As captain he is always the first name on the team sheet. After an iffy start in June, Kolisi has grown as both captain and player. There is plenty of openside back-up if Kolisi is required to move across to the blindside.
Back-up options: Marco van Staden (Bulls), Francois Louw (Bath, England), Albertus Smith (Lions & Yamaha Júbilo)
Lock (No.5)
First choice: Franco Mostert (Lions)
With his high workrate and sound set-piece skills he has overtaken all the other second row forwards and allowed the coach to re-deploy Du Toit to the back row. He can also play on the blindside flank, which give the coach additional options if there’s an injury crisis. And then next year Lodewyk de Jager will also return, to make this a very
Back-up options: Rudolph Snyman (Vodacom Bulls), Ruan Botha (Sharks & Kubota Spears), John Schickerling (Stormers)
Lock (No.4)
First choice: Eben Etzebeth (Stormers)
After a slow start, while working his way back to full fitness from a lengthy injury lay-off, he has formed a formidable partnership with Mostert.
Back-up options: Marvin Orie (Lions), Jason Jenkins (Bulls & Verblitz), Chris van Zyl (Stormers)
Tighthead prop
First choice: Frans Malherbe (Stormers)
Many have questioned why Malherbe starts ahead of Stormers teammate Wilco Louw, but the coach seems to have a plan – even though Malherbe seems to struggle to last the distance.
Back-up options: Wilco Louw (Stormers), Vincent Koch (Saracens, England), Coenie Oosthuizen (Sharks), Trevor Nyakane (Bulls), Thomas du Toit (Sharks)
Hooker
First choice: Malcolm Marx (Lions)
There is no-one like him. A key player in the Bok set-up and vital to the cause when the coach wants more grunt.
Back-up options: Mbongeni Mbonambi (Stormers), Armand van der Merwe (Sharks), Mahlatse Ralepelle (Sharks), Schalk Brits (Western Province), Bismarck du Plessis (hooker, Montpellier)
Loosehead prop
First choice: Steven Kitshoff (Stormers)
He has slowly overtaken The Beast (Tendai Mtawarira) as the Boks’ starting No.1 this year. Not the finished product yet, but will be invaluable at the World Cup next year.
Back-up options: Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks), Retshegofaditswe Nche (Cheetahs), Coenie Oosthuizen (Sharks), Trevor Nyakane (Bulls), Thomas du Toit (Sharks)
Comments on RugbyPass
Thanks, Nick, not only for this fine article, but for all the others during 6N 2024. I really enjoyed this 2024 tournament, and felt it was one of the best for many years. That final match in Lyons was really good. England were certainly unlucky when that speculative hack by Ramos lead to a French try. It could just so easily have landed in English hand.s, and they score at the other end. I did think though that the French played some great rugby, and some of their driving play in the forwards was just fearsome. I watched Meafou with interest, and he has a good start to his career. It is interesting to compare him with Will Skelton. Lot of similarities, though so far Meafou has not shown any offloading threat. All credit to Borthwick for being prepared to change, and what great result, even if that last game was lost at the death. I feel they are a real chance to cause the AB’s problems this winter/summer. Finally a comment on Ireland. I thought their last game was their worst, and they did not look like the world’s No 2 side at all. What really worries me is that the loss to England was, in my view, down to poor decision making by the coaching group, and ofc Andy Farrell wears that. It was a big mistake to move JGP away from scrum half. Murray should have been the one to go to the wing. And the “finishers” should have been on the field earlier. And this is the second time this has happened. The RWC Qf against the AB’s, and not getting Crowley onto the field was a huge mistake. Finally, finally, watching Italy play was a joy. How wonderful that they are no longer the punchbag of the 6 N.
41 Go to commentsGreat story. Rugby needs new investment in teams like Brussels another pro league in Europe would be great.
1 Go to commentsAlso, looking at the data from last year, it seemed like by far the two biggest predictors of success were (1) kicking more than your opponents, and (2) having a higher rate of line-out wins than your opponents. I haven’t gone through the stats this year with a fine tooth comb, but the increase in kicks per game and the increase in tries from lineouts would suggest that these two metrics are only getting more important. England’s move away from a kick-heavy game to win against Ireland was seen by some as evidence that running rugby is on the rise. Alternatively it could be taken as evidence that if one team kicks more, and the other team wins more lineouts (as England did) a match is bound to be close to a draw.
2 Go to commentsI have been finding it odd that points per 22 entry has become such a talked about stat, given that your points per entry can be driven down by having more entries. These data would seem to confirm that it isn’t a useful metric, or at any rate is less useful than total entries.
2 Go to commentsI think the last two games England have played is some of their best rugby they have played under Borthwick. There has been a lot more attacking instinct and as a reward have created some well worked tries. Ollie Lawrence is a good foil at 12 as he offers the hard direct lines whilst the rest of the backs can play open. As much as it pains me to say but I do hope England keep playing this way. On a side note my favourite try of the weekend was Lorenzo Pani’s for the nice loop play that put him away and his finish was excellent. Thanks as always Nick.
41 Go to commentsMost exciting player on the planet right now, worth the price of a ticket.
1 Go to commentsBen Smith and Ireland live rent free in Safa’s heads. Their comments only triggers because its true. If the Boks had dismantled a 14 man AB’s, then there would be more respect. But they didnt, in fact quite the opposite, the 14 man NZ were clearly better. And the Bok have always been ordinary between RWC’s, thats why their supporters are now ‘only RWC’s matter’. They know thats BS. Its BS to both AB’s and Bok’s due to their history. But now its all the Safas have. Now we’ll hear excuses when they lose “oh we didnt have all our players available, the ABs/France/Eng/Irel were at full strength”, forgetting for a minute that its because of their own dumb policy. Oh well, makes a change from blaming ‘cheating refs’.
23 Go to commentsNo Nick, they did not, in fact, justify any ‘probables’ label. At no time did they seriously compete for the championship. Ireland led from start to finish and in the end, as a result of glaring referee errors, were never under serious pressure to lose their crown.
41 Go to commentsMoney for him, and his family, has been the sole motivator since he signed for Queensland aged 17. Why else sign for Melbourne. Tupou is poorly advised. If he’d stayed and developed in NZ he would have had a long Test career. If Leinster offer him a few more coins than he’s currently earning, he’s goneburger.
4 Go to commentsFinn. No one would say Ford had played well up until the last game. One standout performance in 5 is hardly in form . It should be a given that a 10 will control play . Not in Fords case be praised for suddenly doing so. Where was he against Scotland ,Italy. The pundits were saying how far away from play he was standing and one even said that the Ireland game was his last chance saloon to perform . Not exactly top form catching anyones eye. If he can play like this game after game then great. Keep him in . But after 90 odd caps we all know he just doesnt keep it going . By all means keep him there but the issue is that Borthwick will persist even when he plays poorly. Which is more often than not. Thats why i am concerned that Smith ,despite fab form , cannot get a game at his preferred spot. Can you imagine Ford at full back .
5 Go to commentsI do not really get why put Ollivon at 6 when he’s a 7, while Cros was the best Frenchman of the tournament, playing at…6. His only game replacing Aldritt at 8 doesn’t change much in terms of his impact. Lamaro was also outstanding in that brilliant Italian side, probably better than Reffell. So putting 2 Welsh players from the wooden spoon holders, and none of the 4th nation (Scotland) is also strange. Is it about showing that in this harsh transition Wales is, there were some standouts…?
6 Go to commentsThe events at this year’s six nations should undermine many of the arguments made against promotion and relegation between the six nations and the REC. If Italy had been allowed to yo-yo between divisions it conceivably could have really hurt their development, but if Italy, Wales, and Scotland are all at risk of relegation, with none of them being relegated more often than once every 3 or 4 years, you’d have to back all of them to muddle on through it, especially when you factor in the likelihood they’ll still be guaranteed world league matches against tier 1 opponents. Another way of looking at italys resurgence would be to say that the development model of adding an extra team to the six nations has worked, and now must be done again. Georgia could join to make it a 7 team round robin, and if and when Georgia demonstrate an ability to consistently win games, Portugal can also be added to make it an 8 team 2 conference competition. Frankly at this point I think it falls to world rugby to demand that the 6N act in the interests of the game. If the 6N won’t commit to expansion then the 6N teams should be handicapped in world cup draws (i.e. world cup seedings would not be based on their ranking points, but on their ranking points minus a 5 point penalty).
6 Go to commentsSteve Borthwick deserves credit for releasing the shackles on his England side and letting them play in a manner that somewhat resembles the top sides in the Gallagher Premiership. Will they revert to type in New Zealand in July.?
41 Go to commentsJames Lowe wouldn't get in any other 6N team. He's a great example of Farrell’s brilliance, and the Irish system. He is slow. His footwork is poor. But he fits perfectly in that Irish system, and has a superb impact. But put him in another team, and he'll look bang average.
6 Go to commentsCrusaders reached their heights through recruitment of North Island players, often leaving those NI teams bereft of key players. Example: Scott Barrett and Sam Whitelock robbed the Canes of their lineout and AB locks. For years the Canes have struggled at lock. This rabid recruitment was iniated by rule changes by a Crusader dominated NZR Head Office. Now this aggressive recruitment has back-fired, going after young inside back Hamilton Boys stars. They now have 4 Chiefs region 10s and not one with the requisite experience at Super level. Problems of their own making!
2 Go to commentsOver rated for a long time…exposed at scrum time too.
4 Go to comments“Firing me” should have been Gatland’s answer.
2 Go to commentsFinn Russell logic: “World” = 4 countries. Ireland may be at or near the top. FR’s bigger concern should be he and his fellow Scots (incl. the Bloemfontein ones) sliding back down to below top 10
42 Go to commentsMind games have begun. Ireland learned their lesson after saying they could beat England with 13 players or whatever. Still, if they win at Loftus, that would be impressive - final frontier etc.
58 Go to comments$950k for a Prop that isn’t fit enough to play 10 mins of rugby? Surely there is someone better to replace Big Mike with
4 Go to comments