with AE rapidly becoming one of our MVPs ..... :-)0-
with AE rapidly becoming one of our MVPs ..... :-)0-
2,193 posts
**The Springboks squad for the final showdown of 2025 has undergone significant alterations under the guidance of Rassie Erasmus, unleashing a 'gigantic' lineup against Wales. After a dominant performance against Ireland, Erasmus has strategically rotated his squad, incorporating a hefty cohort of World Cup victors amongst both starters and reserves.**
The pack sees Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, and Wilco Louw escalate from the bench to the starting XV, with Jean Kleyn and Ruan Nortje fortifying the tight-five. Siya Kolisi leads as captain, flanked by Jasper Wiese and Franco Mostert, the latter making a return after a controversial red card incident. In the backline, Morne van den Berg and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu form the half-back pairing, with notable changes among the centres and wings, demonstrating Erasmus' intent to test new combinations and player resilience.
On the bench, a bold 7-1 split favors the forwards, reflecting a tactical decision forced by player availability issues. "Our hand was a little forced as we wanted our URC teams to have a good start and we negotiated with them over who we could get," Erasmus explained, highlighting the constraints faced in player selection.
"We couldn't get all our Japan-based players, couldn't get PREM-based players, and some players who play in France. We managed to get Jean Kleyn from Munster, but our hand was forced a little bit; we wouldn't have gone with a 7-1 split against the Welsh… we don’t think that’s what we need against them, a 6-2 would have been better,"
The discussion around the bench's composition continues, with criticisms likely from former Scotland coach Matt Williams, who may point out the backline's physical enormity as a more pressing issue. The Springboks' backline, towering and hefty, poses a unique challenge for the Welsh defense, with all players except scrum-half Van den Berg standing tall and well over the 100kg mark.
Amidst these strategic plays, Cobus Reinach stands out, marking his 50th cap. Despite the competitive depth in his position, Reinach's impressive track record and resilience shine through. His journey accentuates not only personal milestones but also the broader strategic and developmental maneuvers within the Springboks camp.
Opportunities for 'swing prop' experimentation are seized with Zachary Porthen poised to prove his versatility in the front row, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to player development and matchday strategy. This match against Wales not only serves as a platform for testing the mettle of new and returning players but also sets the stage for potential tactical innovations in future games.
The Springboks' lineup and strategic nuances suggest a gripping contest ahead, with implications for both immediate outcomes and long-term squad development as the rugby world watches closely.
**Springboks starting XV:** - Front Row: Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw - Second Row: Jean Kleyn, Ruan Nortje - Back Row: Siya Kolisi (c), Jasper Wiese, Franco Mostert - Half-Backs: Morne van den Berg, Sacha Fe