As the Springboks gear up for their clash against Wales in Cardiff, Cobus Reinach is poised to celebrate his 50th Test cap in a game that promises fireworks, despite a slew of changes to the team. At 35, Reinach is not just hitting a milestone; he's doing so in peak form, set to enter the fray from a bench heavily skewed towards the forwards in a 7-1 split.
Rassie Erasmus, the mastermind behind the Springboks' strategy, has shaken up his squad with nine new faces from the team that toppled Ireland in Dublin. The overhaul was necessary as the match falls outside the international window, sidelining several key players due to club commitments. Yet, Erasmus remains confident, pulling in a mix of seasoned warriors and fresh blood to keep the momentum going.
"We knew we’d be without some players this week, but we’re pleased with the group we’ve selected. This squad has been together for almost five weeks, so many of these combinations are settled, and others have shown real growth. We want to finish our tour with a strong performance,"
Erasmus commented, highlighting the team's readiness.
Reinach, the lone back amidst a beefy bench of forwards, earns praise from his coach not just for his skill but his enduring spirit.
"Cobus is a true team man. He’s been outstanding this season and over many years. To reach 50 caps at 35 says everything about his professionalism and hunger,"
Erasmus remarked, lauding the scrumhalf’s longevity and impact.
The starting lineup sees Johan Grobbelaar at hooker, flanked by props Wilco Louw and Gerhard Steenekamp, the latter earning his first Test start. The locks feature Jean Kleyn and Ruan Nortje. The loose trio packs a punch with Siya Kolisi, Franco Mostert, and Jasper Wiese. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Morne van den Berg continue their partnership at flyhalf and scrumhalf, respectively, while the centers see Andre Esterhuizen and Damian de Allende joining forces. Canan Moodie and Ethan Hooker fill the wings, with Damian Willemse securing fullback.
Erasmus expects a fiery encounter as Wales, despite their own roster challenges, brings a balanced mix of experience and youth to the field. Both sides are eager to close the year with a bang, promising a no-holds-barred battle in Cardiff.
SPRINGBOKS: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Damian de Allende, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp. Bench: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Zachary Porthen, 18 Asenathi Ntlab
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As the Springboks gear up for their clash against Wales in Cardiff, Cobus Reinach is poised to celebrate his 50th Test cap in a game that promises fireworks, despite a slew of changes to the team. At 35, Reinach is not just hitting a milestone; he's doing so in peak form, set to enter the fray from a bench heavily skewed towards the forwards in a 7-1 split.
Rassie Erasmus, the mastermind behind the Springboks' strategy, has shaken up his squad with nine new faces from the team that toppled Ireland in Dublin. The overhaul was necessary as the match falls outside the international window, sidelining several key players due to club commitments. Yet, Erasmus remains confident, pulling in a mix of seasoned warriors and fresh blood to keep the momentum going.
"We knew we’d be without some players this week, but we’re pleased with the group we’ve selected. This squad has been together for almost five weeks, so many of these combinations are settled, and others have shown real growth. We want to finish our tour with a strong performance,"
Erasmus commented, highlighting the team's readiness.Reinach, the lone back amidst a beefy bench of forwards, earns praise from his coach not just for his skill but his enduring spirit.
"Cobus is a true team man. He’s been outstanding this season and over many years. To reach 50 caps at 35 says everything about his professionalism and hunger,"
Erasmus remarked, lauding the scrumhalf’s longevity and impact.The starting lineup sees Johan Grobbelaar at hooker, flanked by props Wilco Louw and Gerhard Steenekamp, the latter earning his first Test start. The locks feature Jean Kleyn and Ruan Nortje. The loose trio packs a punch with Siya Kolisi, Franco Mostert, and Jasper Wiese. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Morne van den Berg continue their partnership at flyhalf and scrumhalf, respectively, while the centers see Andre Esterhuizen and Damian de Allende joining forces. Canan Moodie and Ethan Hooker fill the wings, with Damian Willemse securing fullback.
Erasmus expects a fiery encounter as Wales, despite their own roster challenges, brings a balanced mix of experience and youth to the field. Both sides are eager to close the year with a bang, promising a no-holds-barred battle in Cardiff.
SPRINGBOKS: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Damian de Allende, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp. Bench: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Zachary Porthen, 18 Asenathi Ntlab