Cheslin Kolbe is set to dazzle from the No. 15 jersey as the Springboks square off against a spirited Japanese team this Saturday at London's Wembley Stadium. With usual fullbacks Aphelele Fassi and Damian Willemse sidelined due to injuries, the 32-year-old wing wizard takes on the role amidst a notable lineup shuffle by coach Rassie Erasmus.
In addition to the strategic switch at fullback, Erasmus is rolling the dice on fresh talent with Stormers powerhouse Zachary Porthen making his test debut at tighthead prop. At just 21, the former Junior Boks captain is not only stepping into the big leagues but also making history as the youngest prop to debut in the professional era of Springbok rugby.
"It’s good to have Cheslin back in the mix, and he’s one of those players who can make things happen from anywhere,"
Erasmus praised.
He further noted Kolbe's stint in Japan as invaluable experience that enriches his play and versatility. The back three is completed by speedsters Ethan Hooker and Kurt-Lee Arendse, promising a high-voltage performance from the rear.
"Zach has proven what he can do at URC level and with the Junior Springboks. It’s a big week for him, but we believe this is the right time to give him his opportunity,"
said the Bok coach, signaling high expectations for the young prop's debut performance.
The team welcomes back stalwarts like Franco Mostert, Lood de Jager, and Kurt-Lee Arendse in the starting lineup, with Gerhard Steenekamp and Johan Grobbelaar beefing up the bench. André Esterhuizen continues in his hybrid role, blurring the lines between the forwards and the backs as a dynamic substitute.
Erasmus isn't taking the opposition lightly, especially with Eddie Jones at the helm of the Japanese side. "They beat us in 2015 and showed their quality again at the last World Cup," he remarked, stressing the need for mental and physical sharpness to counter Japan's rising prowess in international rugby.
The upcoming clash promises to be a thrilling encounter, scheduled for a 6:10 PM kickoff (SA time). The Springboks' lineup reads like a who's who of rugby talent, poised to deliver a spectacle of skill and strategy.
SPRINGBOKS: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche. Bench: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 André Esterhuizen, 21 Kwagga Smith,
2,193 posts
Cheslin Kolbe is set to dazzle from the No. 15 jersey as the Springboks square off against a spirited Japanese team this Saturday at London's Wembley Stadium. With usual fullbacks Aphelele Fassi and Damian Willemse sidelined due to injuries, the 32-year-old wing wizard takes on the role amidst a notable lineup shuffle by coach Rassie Erasmus.
In addition to the strategic switch at fullback, Erasmus is rolling the dice on fresh talent with Stormers powerhouse Zachary Porthen making his test debut at tighthead prop. At just 21, the former Junior Boks captain is not only stepping into the big leagues but also making history as the youngest prop to debut in the professional era of Springbok rugby.
"It’s good to have Cheslin back in the mix, and he’s one of those players who can make things happen from anywhere,"
Erasmus praised.He further noted Kolbe's stint in Japan as invaluable experience that enriches his play and versatility. The back three is completed by speedsters Ethan Hooker and Kurt-Lee Arendse, promising a high-voltage performance from the rear.
"Zach has proven what he can do at URC level and with the Junior Springboks. It’s a big week for him, but we believe this is the right time to give him his opportunity,"
said the Bok coach, signaling high expectations for the young prop's debut performance.The team welcomes back stalwarts like Franco Mostert, Lood de Jager, and Kurt-Lee Arendse in the starting lineup, with Gerhard Steenekamp and Johan Grobbelaar beefing up the bench. André Esterhuizen continues in his hybrid role, blurring the lines between the forwards and the backs as a dynamic substitute.
Erasmus isn't taking the opposition lightly, especially with Eddie Jones at the helm of the Japanese side. "They beat us in 2015 and showed their quality again at the last World Cup," he remarked, stressing the need for mental and physical sharpness to counter Japan's rising prowess in international rugby.
The upcoming clash promises to be a thrilling encounter, scheduled for a 6:10 PM kickoff (SA time). The Springboks' lineup reads like a who's who of rugby talent, poised to deliver a spectacle of skill and strategy.
SPRINGBOKS: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche. Bench: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 André Esterhuizen, 21 Kwagga Smith,