Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick has the Springboks braced for whatever backline chaos might erupt in their upcoming Test against Wales. With a bench stacked 7-1 in favor of the forwards, Stick is confident that their preparations cover all potential on-field dramas.
The so-called 'Nuclear Squad' of the Boks includes powerhouse players like hooker Bongi Mbonambi, props Zachary Porthen and Asenathi Ntlabakanye, and lock Eben Etzebeth. The loose forwards feature Marco van Staden, Ben-Jason Dixon, and Kwagga Smith, with the vivacious Cobus Reinach as the solitary backline substitute. "Whenever we’ve gone with a 7-1 split, it’s usually Grant [Williams] or Cobus who give us cover in a lot of positions, especially with their pace," Stick explained. Cobus could even find himself on the wing if needed, showcasing the versatility this squad brings to the table.
The starting backline isn't lacking in firepower either, with Morne van den Berg directing traffic at scrumhalf, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu commands the flyhalf position. The midfield duo of Andre Esterhuizen and Damian de Allende, alongside wings Canan Moodie and Ethan Hooker, and fullback Damian Willemse, complete a formidable lineup.
"We’ve been through all those scenarios during the week. Hopefully, we won’t have more injuries, but everything in selection has been calculated and we’ll be ready."
With a chuckle, Stick even suggested Siya Kolisi might step into a backline role in a pinch. "Siya would probably be the very last option for us. Maybe we’d need four injuries before he gets to the backline!" With the World Cup on the horizon, these matches are crucial for blooding talent and refining strategies.
Stick is particularly excited about the young guns making their mark. 21-year-old tighthead Zachary Porthen, who has captained the Junior Boks, caught his eye. "He’s probably going to play a lot of Test matches. Very talented, very big for his age, and one thing I like about him is his brains. You don’t lead the Junior Boks if you don’t have proper brains over your shoulders."
As the Boks look to close the season on a high note, the blend of seasoned warriors and emerging talent suggests that the Springboks' strategy of building depth while securing wins could make the road to the 2027 World Cup a promising journey. Stick sums it up: "If we can keep winning while we’re building for 2027, happy days."
Springboks starting backline: Morne van den Berg (scrumhalf), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (flyhalf), Andre Esterhuizen and Damian de Allende (midfield), Canan Moodie and Ethan Hooker (wings), Damian Willemse (fullback).
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Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick has the Springboks braced for whatever backline chaos might erupt in their upcoming Test against Wales. With a bench stacked 7-1 in favor of the forwards, Stick is confident that their preparations cover all potential on-field dramas.
The so-called 'Nuclear Squad' of the Boks includes powerhouse players like hooker Bongi Mbonambi, props Zachary Porthen and Asenathi Ntlabakanye, and lock Eben Etzebeth. The loose forwards feature Marco van Staden, Ben-Jason Dixon, and Kwagga Smith, with the vivacious Cobus Reinach as the solitary backline substitute. "Whenever we’ve gone with a 7-1 split, it’s usually Grant [Williams] or Cobus who give us cover in a lot of positions, especially with their pace," Stick explained. Cobus could even find himself on the wing if needed, showcasing the versatility this squad brings to the table.
The starting backline isn't lacking in firepower either, with Morne van den Berg directing traffic at scrumhalf, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu commands the flyhalf position. The midfield duo of Andre Esterhuizen and Damian de Allende, alongside wings Canan Moodie and Ethan Hooker, and fullback Damian Willemse, complete a formidable lineup.
"We’ve been through all those scenarios during the week. Hopefully, we won’t have more injuries, but everything in selection has been calculated and we’ll be ready."
With a chuckle, Stick even suggested Siya Kolisi might step into a backline role in a pinch. "Siya would probably be the very last option for us. Maybe we’d need four injuries before he gets to the backline!" With the World Cup on the horizon, these matches are crucial for blooding talent and refining strategies.
Stick is particularly excited about the young guns making their mark. 21-year-old tighthead Zachary Porthen, who has captained the Junior Boks, caught his eye. "He’s probably going to play a lot of Test matches. Very talented, very big for his age, and one thing I like about him is his brains. You don’t lead the Junior Boks if you don’t have proper brains over your shoulders."
As the Boks look to close the season on a high note, the blend of seasoned warriors and emerging talent suggests that the Springboks' strategy of building depth while securing wins could make the road to the 2027 World Cup a promising journey. Stick sums it up: "If we can keep winning while we’re building for 2027, happy days."
Springboks starting backline: Morne van den Berg (scrumhalf), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (flyhalf), Andre Esterhuizen and Damian de Allende (midfield), Canan Moodie and Ethan Hooker (wings), Damian Willemse (fullback).