Manie Libbok kicks at goal for the Springboks. Photo by Luca Sighinolfi/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix

Rugby Championship: FIVE Springboks with the most to gain

The shortened Rugby Championship is the last chance for players to impress the Springboks management ahead of the World Cup.

by Wade Pretorius

25-06-2023 13:39

in Rugby

Manie Libbok kicks at goal for the Springboks. Photo by Luca Sighinolfi/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix

The shortened Rugby Championship is the last chance for players to impress the Springboks management ahead of the World Cup.

It won’t be the be all and end all type tournament we usually watch but the Rugby Championship in 2023 has massive consequences for players looking to gain a place on the plane to France for the Springboks title defence.

ALSO READ: Springboks have a secret weapon

FIVE Springboks with the most to gain

Joseph Dweba

The Stormers No 2 showed flashes of his brilliance during the United Rugby Championship and looked to be playing near the top of his game. He will no doubt get some good game time during the Rugby Championship and will be looking to impress. A good series will shelve any ideas of playing Deon Fourie as the roving hooker/flank which will see Dweba confirm his spot in the World Cup squad.

Marvin Orie

Another Stormers forward looking to shine especially with Jean Kleyn now in the mix. While Eben Etzebeth is out and Kleyn lurking, it is vital that Orie produces the goods when given the opportunity. The Springboks have some incredibly versatile players which makes specialists needing to prove their worth.

Deon Fourie

Fourie was sublime for the Stormers and is now working his way towards a bigger role for the Springboks. He is probably behind Jasper Wiese and Kwagga Smith in the pecking order, so some good work during the Rugby Championship is needed if he wants to play a big role in France.

Manie Libbok

Libbok was off when Munster beat the Stormers in the final of the URC. But one bad night shouldn’t have Manie headed for the tacklebags as a rank squad member. He has worked his way into the matchday squad and with Handre Pollard missing the Rugby Championship there is no better time to show that he is reliable with ball in hand and from the kicking tee.

Jesse Kriel

Many fan might have Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie as potential starters during the World Cup but let’s not forget how consistent Kriel has been in the green and gold. Another versatile player, he brings loads of experience to the backline and will be keen to step up during the Rugby Championship and give an update of his class.

ALSO READ: Kleyn cleared to cover for Etzebeth

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP TRAINING SQUAD

Props: Thomas du Toit (Sharks), Steven Kitshoff (Stormers), Vincent Koch (Stade Francais), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Ox Nche (Sharks), Trevor Nyakane (Racing 92).

Hookers: Joseph Dweba (Stormers), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks).

Locks: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Marvin Orie (Stormers), RG Snyman (Munster).

Loose Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (Sharks), Evan Roos (Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Duane Vermeulen (Ulster), Jasper Wiese (Leicester).

Utility Forwards: Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Deon Fourie (Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat).

Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Herschel Jantjies (Stormers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Sharks).

Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester), Damian Willemse (Stormers).

Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).

Outside Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Cheslin Kolbe (Toulon), Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Canan Moodie (Bulls).

ALSO READ: Bristol Bears snap up South African centre