2 days ago
Springboks' major positional problem emerges
When it comes to the Springboks, one area where there has always been a seemingly never-ending conveyor belt of talent is at loose forward.
However, in recent times, some warning lights have begun to flash.
Since the 2023 World Cup, and the retirement of Duane Vermeulen, the Springboks have found the No 8 position to be somewhat problematic to fill with consistency.
Yes, Jasper Wiese has emerged as a standout in this position, but ill-discipline and injuries have taken a toll, and it's an area where depth – and a like-for-like replacement for Vermeulen – has been hard to come by.
At blindside flank, the Springboks have had the world-class Pieter-Steph du Toit to rely on, but again, the lack of true quality back up has been evidenced by someone like Franco Mostert having to again fill in on the side of the scrum.
Similarly, Siya Kolisi is the understandable custodian of the No 6 jersey – but in his absence – it's still not crystal clear as to who the next best would be.
As if to evidence this point, the Springboks will line up for this Saturday's must-win match against the Wallasbies with a back row combination that would have been virtually unfathomable just a few weeks ago: 8 Jean-Luc du Preez, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Marco van Staden.
Yes, the Springboks have been unfortunate with injuries to talented youngsters Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom, but when it comes to the back row balance and depth, it's increasingly evident that this is a worrisome area just two years away from the next World Cup.
The goal of Rassie Erasmus and the coaches is to have two players of almost equal interchangeable quality in every position, but it's in the loose trio where this is proving to be increasingly difficult to find after the retirement of Vermeulen, and as Du Toit and Kolisi head towards their mid-30s.
South Africa: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jean-Luc du Preez, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 RG Snyman,3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Lood de Jager, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
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