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Springbok Backline for the World Cup Final

Started by sharkbok5 REPLIES895 VIEWS· 31 May 2023, 20:36
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sharkbok
sharkbokCaptain23,226 posts
31 May 2023, 20:36
#1
31 May 2023, 20:36#1

If the world cup final was in one week, and with no injuries - the most likely Bok Backline would be:

4/4 split of Forwards/Backs:


9. Faff / Hendrikse
10. Pollard / Damien Willemse  / Libbock
12. Delande /Damien Willemse

13. AM 

14. Kolbe
15. Willie Leroux
11. Mapimpi /Adrense


This team has enough utility players to cover injuries and backline reshuffles. 
3 flyhalfs is a lot - but Willemse is a joker wild card, and utility player that can cover fullback and inside centre at test standard level.

Having Libbock on the bench would give the Boks more options if they need to chase a game.
Willemse could shift to 12 in place of Delande to get the ball wide. 
He is also a first-choice pole kicker for his union. 

Delande also has a decent amount of experience to cover 13 if AM is injured.  Willemse would also be solid at 13 if injuries call for this.


Kolbe can also cover fullback, and so can Adrense - so there would be enough pace and firepower out wide if there were injuries in the game. 

------

A 5/3 split of Forwards/Backs would drop one player out - either Adrense or Libbok be:

9. Faff / Hendrikse
10. Pollard / Damien Willemse  
12. Delande /Damien Willemse

13. AM 

14. Kolbe/
15. Willie Leroux
11. Mapimpi /Adrense

I cant see Rassie deviating much from this barring significant changes in form. 


MO
MozartCaptain49,914 posts
31 May 2023, 21:31
#2
31 May 2023, 21:31#2

Four years have gone by and you are suggesting the same backline. Ages at the WC…..34, 30, 29, 31, 33, 29, 32..average 31.14. I’m not disputing the choices mostly, but neglect, complacency, risk aversion have left us with what must be the oldest backline in the history of the WC.

Pollard, Kolbe, Am and Willie are the only choices one feels good about. We wouldn’t be here if our coach hadn’t been  in Margarita land since the WC. His lack of discipline can be weighed on a scale.

SA
Saffolk Captain30,741 posts
31 May 2023, 21:48
#3
31 May 2023, 21:48#3
No side has ever had a 4/4 split The Bok side is a pretty closed shop It will be Willie or Willemse at 15 Wings will be 2 of Mapimpi, Kolbe or Arendse, with Moodie possibly Centres will be de Allende and Am Pollard at 10, Faf at 9 Libbok will push for a bench spot. It will be Hendrikse or Williams at the bench 9
sharkbok
sharkbokCaptain23,226 posts
31 May 2023, 22:18
#4
31 May 2023, 22:18#4
It's a Saffex squad, so I have a bit of room to alter the split to make enough space. 
A 6/2 Split would be:

9. Faff / Hendrikse
10. Pollard / Damien Willemse  
12. Delande /Damien Willemse

13. AM 

14. Kolbe
15. Willie Leroux
11. Mapimpi 



MP
MpowerPro5,061 posts
31 May 2023, 22:25
#5
31 May 2023, 22:25#5
Closed shop indeed…what a pity that Rassie must be so close minded not to vary player selection….I wonder if this A Team still got what it takes, for WC glory?? Looking @ last season, I have big doubts.
MO
moolaaPro2,380 posts
01 Jun 2023, 02:39
#6
01 Jun 2023, 02:39#6
There’s a rather large “IF” that needs to be inserted somewhere in your post Sharkbok!!
— END OF THREAD —

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