Springboks goal-kicking dilemma – Faf or Kolbe to kick against NZ?

With Handre Pollard out injured and Manie Libbok dropped to the bench. We take a look at who could be kicking for posts against the All Blacks.

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Damian Willemse missed some crucial kicks at goal during the Springboks end of year tour last year.

He is by no means a pour kicker but he has not been kicking for the Stormers in the URC either. Therefore, the Boks could look at handing the kicking tee to the somebody else. Cheslin Kolbe and Faf de Klerk’s names both were mentioned by Jacques Nienaber.

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NIENABER MENTIONS SURPRISE SPRINGBOKS GOAL-KICKERS

Willemse, Kolbe and de Klerk are all being monitored to determine the Springboks goal-kicker for Saturdays match against the All Blacks in NZ.

“I will take you back to the end of year tour, when we said our kickers are kicking,” the Bok head coach said. “Cheslin is kicking and can kick for poles, as he did on the end of year tour, Damian is kicking for poles, as he did on tour and Faf is kicking for poles, like he did on tour”, Nienaber told SA Rugby.

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In fact, between the three of them and assistant Mzwandile Stick, they will decide who takes up the kicking duties in New Zealand.

“So we have a couple of options. Between them, they will make a decision. We are measuring their trainings and kicks at poles. Between them and Stick – I don’t know anything about kicking – they will have a good discussion over who will start in terms of kicking for poles,” he added.

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BIG DAY OUT IN THE GREEN AND GOLD FOR WILLEMSE

Willemse will don the coveted Springboks number 10 jersey.

This is always an honour but it multiplies tenfold when you consider the fact that it is in against the All Blacks in New Zealand. Furthermore, Willemse hasnot been playing flyhalf in the URC. He has been utilized at fullback. Meaning, he will be playing in a position that is not his first choice position against one of the worlds best tens with Richie Mo’unga, Beauden Barrett or Damian McKenzie set to face him.

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Who do you think should be the Springboks goal-kicker against New Zealand? Let us know in the comments below.