In a move that underscores both evolution and trust in emerging talent, South Africa’s head coach Rassie Erasmus has made a series of bold selections for the Rugby Championship clash against the All Blacks. Notably, the inclusion of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Aphelele Fassi reflects Erasmus’s readiness to embrace change and reward form.
The absence of Eben Etzebeth, potentially sidelined with a back injury, is a significant setback. South Africa, traditionally strong in the lock department, is grappling with injuries to key players including RG Snyman, Franco Mostert, Jason Jenkins, Lood de Jager, and Jean Kleyn. Despite this, Erasmus has opted for a dynamic approach, pairing Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ruan Nortje at lock and maintaining the pack’s formidable physicality with a 6/2 bench split.
In the backline, Erasmus has chosen to spotlight two players with just six Test caps each, Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Fassi. This decision marks a shift from the tried-and-true strategies that secured victories in 2019 and 2023. Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s selection as fly-half and Fassi’s position as full-back demonstrate Erasmus’s willingness to integrate new talent into crucial roles.
Fassi’s inclusion is particularly intriguing. Known for his attacking prowess and sharp kicking game, Fassi’s role is expected to evolve as he balances creative flair with fundamental skills. This selection highlights Erasmus’s confidence in Fassi’s ability to perform under pressure and signals a broader message to players on the fringes of the squad: seize your opportunities and you will be rewarded.
Erasmus’s choices for this high-stakes match reflect a strategic vision that blends experience with fresh talent, aiming to forge a new path for the Springboks while maintaining the team’s formidable edge. The upcoming showdown against the All Blacks will be a critical test of these new strategies and a showcase of South Africa’s evolving rugby landscape.
Springboks:
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche
Substitutes: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Marco van Staden, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Handre Pollard
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Written by: Theone Jacobs
Photo: EPA
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