Springboks v Ireland: Three big talking points to discuss

The Springboks and Ireland will clash for the 27th time in their long history on Saturday, 5 November at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Kick-off is at 19:30 (SA time).

Ireland are currently the No 1-ranked side in the world, while the Springboks are third, and this blockbuster fixture was always shaping up to be an incredibly hard-fought affair.

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Here we have a look at three key pre-match talking points for the Springboks:

Cheslin Kolbe has an opportunity to shine at fullback

The Boks sprung something of a surprise by selecting regular wing Cheslin Kolbe to start his first Test at fullback this Saturday.

With Damian Willemse taking on a key responsibility at flyhalf, the Boks are clearly intent on exploring different options at 15, and have taken the bold move of shifting Kolbe into a new role.

The Springboks will be hoping that the rain stays away in Dublin this weekend, allowing Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse to offer a double threat of X factor on attack. It’s a thrilling prospect that lies in store.

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Rassie Erasmus returning to the coach’s box

Almost exactly a year has passed since Erasmus was able to attend a Bok match in-person, having since had to serve out a lengthy World Rugby suspension from November 2021.

Recent signs have indicated that Erasmus has begun to resume a more hands-on role with the Springboks, and his coaching insights will now boost the Boks at the match-day venue on Saturday.

The importance of Erasmus’ presence shouldn’t be underestimated in terms of its impact on the players, while his input in the coaching box could also be crucial when it comes to the messaging that gets sent back to the team on the field.

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Jasper Wiese could solidify his hold on the No 8 jersey

This point perhaps hasn’t been discussed enough. Over the course of the 2022 Test season – with World Cup winner Duane Vermeulen battling with injuries and inconsistent form – Jasper Wiese has begun to cement his place as the Boks’ first-choice No 8.

Vermeulen has been “rested” for this tour, and it’s clear that a message has been sent to him that reads along the lines of: ‘Get yourself back to your best fitness and form with Irish club Ulster, and then there can be a selection reconsideration in the new year.’

In Vermeulen’s ongoing absence, though, Wiese has another prime opportunity to produce a string of impactful performances that could ensure that he remains the new incumbent starting No 8 just nine months away from the 2023 World Cup. 

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TEAMS:

Ireland

TBA

South Africa

15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff

Substitutes: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Deon Fourie, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Willie le Roux