Springboks No 8 Kwagga Smith / Gordon Arons/Gallo Images

Springboks loose forward Kwagga Smith. Image: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images.

Springboks-France Test rests on Kwagga vs Alldritt duel

Saturday’s highly-anticipated Test between the Springboks and France will hinge on the accuracy of performance between the No 8s.

Springboks No 8 Kwagga Smith / Gordon Arons/Gallo Images

Springboks loose forward Kwagga Smith. Image: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images.

Saturday’s highly-anticipated Test between the Springboks and France will hinge on the accuracy of performance between the No 8s.

Jasper Wiese was initially selected to start at the back of the Springbok scrum, but 27-year-old has since been ruled out with a concussion. This prompted coach Jacques Nienaber to call on Kwagga Smith, with Deon Fourie coming onto the bench.

The official Springboks team photo for the Test against France in 2022
The Springboks team that will play against France in Marseille on Saturday. Image: SA Rugby.

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Springboks No 8: Kwagga Smith

Smith has played a bit-part role so far this season, but the Springboks have looked more assured every time he takes to the field.

Smith doesn’t fit in the mould of a traditional No 8 because he offers far more than just brute strength and the role of powerful defender. His acceleration off the back of the scrum and in open play, not to mention his ability to complete some miraculous and often try-creating offloads, is what makes him a special player.

There should be no doubt that the Springboks are a more dangerous side when starts and the onus is on the French to nullify the all-round threat he poses at the breakdown and in open play.

France No 8: Gregory Alldritt

Much like we’ve witnessed France’s elevation to one of the two best — if not the best —sides in the world, so too we’ve been witness to Gregory Alldritt’s continued rise in his bid to be crowned as the world’s premier eighthman. The Frenchman has certainly closed the gap between himself and some of his more accomplished counterparts around the world.

Aldritt’s natural strength and aggression has enhanced Les Bleus’ physical game. The big man not only has the ability to win turnovers at the breakdown, his has a strong running game that often leaves many a defender trailing in his wake. The Springboks packs will have its work cut to contain him.

In general, the game promises to be a great contest, and one that should serve up an absorbing contest between the two sets of loose trios.

The match, and this duel, could go either way, but one gets the impression that they aren’t mutually exclusive.

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