Springboks Team: Winners and Losers as 'One to Watch' Emerges, Rassie Erasmus' 'Gamble' Reveals Rugby World Cup Plan
Following the announcement of the Springboks team to face Italy on Saturday, here's a breakdown of the winners and losers from Rassie Erasmus' selections, with a focus on the team's potential and strategic moves.
Winners:
Ben-Jason Dixon: A workhorse flanker, Dixon gets a chance to stake his claim for more game time. His 6ft 5in frame and lineout presence make him a valuable asset, similar to Pieter-Steph du Toit. Erasmus hopes Dixon can fulfill his potential and potentially take over from the legendary Springboks back-rower.
Zachary Porthen: Making his Springboks debut against Japan, Porthen has been backed to start against Italy. Despite a good first impression, this will be a tougher test against a powerful Italian front-row. If he succeeds, the Boks boss might consider him for bigger games, like the upcoming match against Ireland.
Johan Grobbelaar: Long overlooked by Erasmus, Grobbelaar now has a chance to prove himself as a quality hooker. He needs a strong performance to convince the coach, but his breakdown threat, carrying skills, and set-piece accuracy make him a significant player for the Bulls.
Edwill van der Merwe: Returning from injury, van der Merwe gets another chance to shine. While Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse are the current first-choice wings, van der Merwe will be eager to impress against Italy and put pressure on his teammates.
Ethan Hooker and Canan Moodie: Despite Erasmus' alterations, these two players are given firm backing. With Italy's strong midfield, Hooker and Moodie will be key to the team's success. Their talent and versatility make them starting players for future Rugby World Cup matches, and they might even combine in the midfield.
Jean Kleyn: Returning from injury, Kleyn forms a strong second-row partnership with Franco Mostert. His power at close quarters and dominance in collisions make him a valuable asset, especially with South Africa's depth in the engine room.
Losers:
Manie Libbok: Despite a strong response to adversity, Libbok has not been trusted to start since a fateful day in August. He remains on the bench, with Handre Pollard preferred at fly-half. Libbok still has chances against Ireland and Wales, but it's interesting that Erasmus has kept him as a reserve.
Asenathi Ntlabakanye: Called into the squad due to an injury, Ntlabakanye was overlooked in favor of Zachary Porthen. Despite being under a doping cloud, Erasmus opted for experience on the bench with Wilco Louw.
Jan-Hendrik Wessels: Banned controversially, Wessels was a key part of the Springboks squad. His ability to play prop and hooker made him an essential player, but his absence is felt with no out-and-out hooker in reserve. Back-rower Marco van Staden has taken over that role.
Bongi Mbonambi and Marnus van der Merwe: Neither Mbonambi nor Van der Merwe were called into the squad, raising questions. Mbonambi was on the standby list, while Van der Merwe, despite featuring for South Africa this year, is absent from the Test team. This suggests Erasmus is easing Mbonambi out of the international equation, but Van der Merwe's absence is more confusing.
Ireland: Erasmus' decision to rotate the team so much might be calculated, but it could impact their match against Ireland. With a well-rested set of players, the Boks might have an advantage, especially considering Ireland's recent performances.
