Springboks: 13 changes expected! Likely starting XV vs Romania

You can expect Jacques Nienaber to ring the changes when the Springboks take on Romania on Sunday. Expect to see Canan Moodie back.

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Nienaber is likely to make wholesale changes for the Springboks next Rugby World Cup match against Romania.

Let’s take a look at all the changes we expect.

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WHOLESALE CHANGES EXPECTED FROM NIENABER

We expect the entire front row to be changed with Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi and Trevor Nyakane coming in to have a full crack at the Romanians.

This will give Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx and Frans Malherbe some rest. Furthermore, starting the new-look bomb squad will be exciting giving their huge impact off the bench to date. Ox, Mbonambi and Nyakane dismantled New Zealand in Twickenham and continued their momentum off the bench against Scotland.

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With Kleyn now available for selection, we could see him start with Marvin Orie. Both players are on the fringe and need to be kept hot incase they are needed. Especially, with Etzebeth facing an injury scare. A stark reminder that anybody can get injured during the Rugby World Cup.

It is amongst the loose forwards where things get interesting. Marco van Staden could start but there will also be temptation to start Kwagga Smith. We believe Duane Vermeulen will start with either Mostert likely reverting to number seven.

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At scrumhalf, it is any ones guess between Grant Williams, Cobus Reinach and Jaden Hendrikse with all players having been rotated.

At ten, Manie could be retained to build his confidence. We expect Makazole Mapimpi, Andre Esterhuizen and Canan Moodie to round off an exciting backline with Moodie and Willie le Roux.

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LIKELY SPRINGBOKS STARTING XV VS ROMANIA:

1. Ox Nche
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Trevor Nyakane
4. Jean Kleyn
5. Marvin Orie
6. Marco van Staden
7. Franco Mostert
8. Duane Vermeulen
9. Grant Williams
10. Manie Libbok
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Andre Etserhuizen
13. Canan Moodie
14. Kurt-lee Arendse
15. Willie le Roux