In a dramatic twist of fate, the Springboks have had to shuffle their pack once again as they gear up to clash with the Wallabies in Cape Town. The latest hiccup? No. 8 Jean-Luc du Preez is out with an illness, thrusting Kwagga Smith into the starting lineup and pulling Andre Esterhuizen onto the pine. As if the drama of international rugby needed any more spice!
Just when you thought the Boks had their lineup locked down, the rugby gods decided to throw another curveball. Earlier this week, Willie le Roux, the veteran fullback, was sidelined with a niggle. His replacement? The nimble-footed Aphelele Fassi, who's been chomping at the bit for more game time. The Springboks' social media team summed up the situation with a straightforward announcement, leaving fans buzzing and opponents guessing.
"Late change to the #Springboks lineup: Kwagga Smith will start at No 8 after Jean-Luc du Preez has been forced to withdraw due to illness, with Andre Esterhuizen coming onto the bench ??#ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvAUS"
This reshuffling seems to be a recurring theme for the Springboks' campaign in this year's Rugby Championship. The test against the Wallabies now presents a new set of challenges and opportunities for the team. With Smith stepping into the breach, the dynamic within the back row will undoubtedly shift, potentially altering the Boks' approach to the breakdowns and tight plays.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, all eyes will be on how this rejigged Bok squad will fare. Chemistry and adaptability are going to be key, especially with the likes of Jesse Kriel leading the charge and the electric Cheslin Kolbe looking to weave his magic on the wing.
Here’s how the teams stack up:
SPRINGBOKS – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Jesse Kriel (c), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Kwagga Smith, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche
Bench: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Lood de Jager, 21 Andre Esterhuizen, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
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In a dramatic twist of fate, the Springboks have had to shuffle their pack once again as they gear up to clash with the Wallabies in Cape Town. The latest hiccup? No. 8 Jean-Luc du Preez is out with an illness, thrusting Kwagga Smith into the starting lineup and pulling Andre Esterhuizen onto the pine. As if the drama of international rugby needed any more spice!
Just when you thought the Boks had their lineup locked down, the rugby gods decided to throw another curveball. Earlier this week, Willie le Roux, the veteran fullback, was sidelined with a niggle. His replacement? The nimble-footed Aphelele Fassi, who's been chomping at the bit for more game time. The Springboks' social media team summed up the situation with a straightforward announcement, leaving fans buzzing and opponents guessing.
"Late change to the #Springboks lineup: Kwagga Smith will start at No 8 after Jean-Luc du Preez has been forced to withdraw due to illness, with Andre Esterhuizen coming onto the bench ??#ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvAUS"
This reshuffling seems to be a recurring theme for the Springboks' campaign in this year's Rugby Championship. The test against the Wallabies now presents a new set of challenges and opportunities for the team. With Smith stepping into the breach, the dynamic within the back row will undoubtedly shift, potentially altering the Boks' approach to the breakdowns and tight plays.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, all eyes will be on how this rejigged Bok squad will fare. Chemistry and adaptability are going to be key, especially with the likes of Jesse Kriel leading the charge and the electric Cheslin Kolbe looking to weave his magic on the wing.
Here’s how the teams stack up:
SPRINGBOKS – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Jesse Kriel (c), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Kwagga Smith, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche
Bench: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Lood de Jager, 21 Andre Esterhuizen, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images