How Rassie could shape the Springboks XV for Baltimore Test
Which Springboks will be called on for the fourth Test against the All Blacks?
Coach Rassie Erasmus is set to name his team for the clash in the United States at 20:00 tonight (7 September).
With Cheslin Kolbe out, here’s what it means for the Springboks XV.
Kolbe’s injury reshapes backline
The biggest news out of the third Test in Soweto was Kolbe’s broken jaw, which has ruled him out of Baltimore.
He had been filling in for Damian Willemse, who strained his hamstring in the second Test.
Despite the fullback recovering and likely to return to his position, Kolbe’s absence will still have a knock-on effect.
Coach Rassie will need to reshuffle the back row to cover any potential gaps.
Scrumhalf role is a coin toss
Grant Williams is also set to return in the US, but will he start at 9?
Before the third Test, it seemed obvious that the scrumhalf would slot right back in when he was fit again.
However, Morne van den Berg was strong off the bench, and this could complicate matters.
Coach Rassie may be tempted to instead have Williams on the bench initially.
Which other Springboks are travelling to the US?
According to the South Africa Rugby website, five Springboks will miss the series decider.
Props Carlu Sadie, Boan Venter, and Ntuthuko Mchunu are not travelling to the US, along with utility forwards Cobus Wiese and Ben-Jason Dixon.
However, winger Canan Moodie is among the players who will make the trip to Baltimore.
Coach Rassie will also have options in Lood de Jager, Cameron Hanekom, and Manie Libbok.
The Springboks handler has already framed the match as a duel between the two top teams in the world.
“We assess the injuries; we start planning, and it’s number one and two again. It’s the greatest rivalry, and we play to try and win the series, and they will try to draw the series. So, no, it’s going to be flipping important.”
How could South Africa line up in Baltimore?
Predicted Springboks XV:
- Ox Nche
- Malcolm Marx
- Wilco Louw
- Eben Etzebeth
- Ruan Nortje
- Siya Kolisi
- Pieter-Steph du Toit
- Jasper Wiese
- Grant Williams
- Handre Pollard
- Canan Moodie
- Damian de Allende
- Jesse Kriel
- Kurt-Lee Arendse
- Damian Willemse
Bench: Gerhard Steenekamp, Deon Fourie, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager, Cameron Hanekom, Morne vd Berg, Manie Libbok, Ethan Hooker.
The fourth Test is on 12 September at 23:00 (South African time) at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
Details correct according to the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry website.
WHO WOULD YOU INCLUDE IN THE TEAM TO FACE THE ALL BLACKS ON SATURDAY?
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