Rassie Erasmus is set to continue his bold selection policy for the Springboks’ upcoming Tests against the All Blacks, according to a report.
That means handing inexperienced international loosehead Gerhard Steenekamp a starting slot ahead of South Africa’s more established props.
Rapport are claiming that Steenekamp, who has shone in his four caps so far, will be in the Springboks XV for the first time in his Test career.
Ox on the bench
As a result, Ox Nche will revert to the bench, a role he fulfilled superbly during the Rugby World Cup when they lifted the Webb Ellis Cup for a fourth time.
It would be a big call from Erasmus with Nche impressing from the start in their mid-year Tests against Wales and Ireland, and particularly in their Rugby Championship opener against the Wallabies.
That decision from the head coach also comes at a cost for fellow World Cup star Steven Kitshoff, with the experienced front-rower reportedly not going to be involved at all.
Kitshoff has missed the opening few matches of the Test season but recovered from injury to take his place in the wider training squad for the New Zealand encounters. However, it looks like the 32-year-old will have to bide his time if he is to add to his 83 caps.
Steenekamp’s inclusion may not be the only surprise name in the tight five with Pieter-Steph du Toit potentially moving back to lock as well.
South Africa have endured their issues in the second-row with Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert among those to be absent through injury.
Another World Cup winner, RG Snyman, was set to start against Australia in the first round of the Rugby Championship but his late withdrawal meant that Du Toit shifted to lock.
Although Snyman is expected to be in contention to face the All Blacks next weekend, he may well have to make do with a position on the bench, or could even miss out altogether with Ruan Nortje, Salmaan Moerat and Nico Janse van Rensburg all viable options.
Should Du Toit be at lock then that could open up a chance for the talented Stormer, Ben-Jason Dixon, who could well get a huge opportunity in the back-row.
Backline
Behind the scrum, Rapport believe that hugely gifted youngster Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will continue at fly-half and will be partnered by Cobus Reinach.
Despite the presence of Manie Libbok and Handre Pollard in the squad, Erasmus went for Feinberg-Mngomezulu against the Wallabies and the 22-year-old grasped the opportunity, impressing in both Tests.
He is unlikely to be joined by another generational talent, though, with the head coach reportedly resisting the temptation to bring back Canan Moodie.
Moodie will probably join fellow returnees Jaden Hendrikse, Andre Esterhuizen and Jasper Wiese in missing out, although the latter could make the bench.
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Rassie Erasmus is set to continue his bold selection policy for the Springboks’ upcoming Tests against the All Blacks, according to a report.
That means handing inexperienced international loosehead Gerhard Steenekamp a starting slot ahead of South Africa’s more established props.
Rapport are claiming that Steenekamp, who has shone in his four caps so far, will be in the Springboks XV for the first time in his Test career.
Ox on the bench
As a result, Ox Nche will revert to the bench, a role he fulfilled superbly during the Rugby World Cup when they lifted the Webb Ellis Cup for a fourth time.
It would be a big call from Erasmus with Nche impressing from the start in their mid-year Tests against Wales and Ireland, and particularly in their Rugby Championship opener against the Wallabies.
That decision from the head coach also comes at a cost for fellow World Cup star Steven Kitshoff, with the experienced front-rower reportedly not going to be involved at all.
Kitshoff has missed the opening few matches of the Test season but recovered from injury to take his place in the wider training squad for the New Zealand encounters. However, it looks like the 32-year-old will have to bide his time if he is to add to his 83 caps.
Springboks v All Blacks: Predicted line-up as big guns return for the world champions
Steenekamp’s inclusion may not be the only surprise name in the tight five with Pieter-Steph du Toit potentially moving back to lock as well.
South Africa have endured their issues in the second-row with Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert among those to be absent through injury.
Another World Cup winner, RG Snyman, was set to start against Australia in the first round of the Rugby Championship but his late withdrawal meant that Du Toit shifted to lock.
Although Snyman is expected to be in contention to face the All Blacks next weekend, he may well have to make do with a position on the bench, or could even miss out altogether with Ruan Nortje, Salmaan Moerat and Nico Janse van Rensburg all viable options.
Should Du Toit be at lock then that could open up a chance for the talented Stormer, Ben-Jason Dixon, who could well get a huge opportunity in the back-row.
Backline
Behind the scrum, Rapport believe that hugely gifted youngster Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will continue at fly-half and will be partnered by Cobus Reinach.
Despite the presence of Manie Libbok and Handre Pollard in the squad, Erasmus went for Feinberg-Mngomezulu against the Wallabies and the 22-year-old grasped the opportunity, impressing in both Tests.
He is unlikely to be joined by another generational talent, though, with the head coach reportedly resisting the temptation to bring back Canan Moodie.
Moodie will probably join fellow returnees Jaden Hendrikse, Andre Esterhuizen and Jasper Wiese in missing out, although the latter could make the bench.