South Africa’s rugby coach, Jacques Nienaber, has announced his team for the opening Rugby Championship match against Australia. The Springboks will see several fringe players and one debutant in action, with Duane Vermeulen leading the side as captain.
Nienaber has taken a split squad approach, giving 10 fringe players rare starts, while also blending in experienced first-choice regulars. This strategy aims to ensure the bulk of the squad overcomes jetlag and is fully fit for their game against New Zealand on June 15. The split-squad approach previously helped the Springboks win the Rugby Championship in 2019.
Vermeulen, who has previously captained the team twice before, will lead out his side alongside nine other fringe players. The lineup includes the likes of Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Jean Kleyn, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Cobus Reinach, Manie Libbok, Andre Esterhuizen, and James Verity-Amm. In addition to these fringe players, the team also boasts experienced regulars such as Frans Malherbe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lukhanyo Am, Juan de Jongh, and Willie le Roux.
The Springboks’ coaching staff has chosen this strategy to ensure the team’s freshness against New Zealand, particularly with Eddie Jones now at the helm of the Wallabies. They want to avoid risking an inexperienced side and are confident that their split-squad strategy will yield positive results.
This announcement comes on the heels of news that four Springboks players will be leaving South Africa after the Rugby World Cup. As the team undergoes changes and introduces new faces, it remains to be seen how these transitions will impact their performance moving forward.
In other news, one Springboks star recently got engaged, adding a touch of personal joy to the team. This positive development reflects the camaraderie and relationships within the squad.
As the Springboks gear up for their Rugby Championship opener against Australia, fans eagerly anticipate the debut of Jean Kleyn and the leadership of Duane Vermeulen. With a blend of experience and fresh talent, the team is poised to face the challenges that lie ahead.
