The Springboks congratulate Canan Moodie after scoring his maiden Test try. Photo: Getty Images.
Springboks: FIVE quality players at risk of missing quarter-final
These FIVE players are all top quality stars. Unfortunately, they are all at risk of missing the Springboks quarter-final against France.
The Springboks congratulate Canan Moodie after scoring his maiden Test try. Photo: Getty Images.
These FIVE players are all top quality stars. Unfortunately, they are all at risk of missing the Springboks quarter-final against France.
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The depth in SA Rugby is tremendous with two or three quality players available in each position.
Meaning, Jacques Nienaber has a couple of selection headaches when considering his 23-man side to take on France. Such depth is a double-edged sword though because several top players will not feature. Let’s take a look at the big-names at risk of missing out.
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Vincent Koch, Jasper Wiese/Duane Vermeulen, Andre Esterhuizen, Canan Moodie and Willie le Roux are all likely to miss out on selection for the Boks crucial Rugby World Cup 2023 showdown against France.
Koch has been a prominent member of the ‘Bomb Squad’ for several years now. However, it appears that Trevor Nyakane has leapfrogged him as a result of his powerful scrumming and his ability to cover both sides of the scrum.
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Furthermore, it is at Eighthman where things get interesting. The coaches have opted with Wiese ahead of Vermeulen in the big matches against Scotland and Ireland, respectively.
However, we feel that Vermeulen’s experience and breakdown ability could see him start. Either way, a big player will miss out with Kwagga Smith and Marco van Staden likely to take up their place on the bench due to versatility and form.
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Esterhuizen has been brilliant all season but he could find himself out of the 23-man side altogether. This is because Damian de Allende has established himself as the first choice 12. Moodie has been exciting but the arrival of Am means his Rugby World Cup could be over barring any unforeseen injuries.
Furthermore, the backline places on the bench are likely to be taken up by Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok/Handre Pollard. Even if Nienaber and Rassie opts for 1 5-3 split, Jesse Kriel/Lukhanyo Am would likely get the other spot. Meaning, Bok veteran le Roux may also miss out with Damian Willemse having started against Scotland and Ireland and is top form.
