The father of stand-in Springboks captain Eben Etzebeth has died, four days before his son is due to lead his country against New Zealand. Photo: Rodger Bosch/AFP
Springboks: THREE players who have to stay FIT during Rugby World Cup
There is depth aplenty in this Springboks squad. However, these THREE players have to stay fit if the Springboks are to successfully defend their trophy in France.
The father of stand-in Springboks captain Eben Etzebeth has died, four days before his son is due to lead his country against New Zealand. Photo: Rodger Bosch/AFP
There is depth aplenty in this Springboks squad. However, these THREE players have to stay fit if the Springboks are to successfully defend their trophy in France.
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Jacques Nienaber and Rassie Erasmus have done their best to ensure that there is tremendous depth across the park. From 1-15 (prop to fullback) there are players capable of coming in and stepping up.
In fact, Nienaber ensured all 33 players in his Rugby World Cup squad got game time in the build-up to the Boks title defence in France. Between the Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup warm-ups all players got a decent run. However, we feel that these THREE players are simply irreplaceable and must stay fit if South Africa is to successfully defend their Rugby World Cup trophy in France.
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THREE SPRINGBOKS WHO MUST STAY FIT
1) MALCOLM MARX
Marx has been tirelessly and brutally effective all season. In fact, his whole career. Arguably, if not the best hooker in world rugby.
His influence on this side is immeasurable. He is a menace at the break down which could be the difference between glory and failure. Furthermore, he is a powerhouse runner, as powerful as he is elusive. Such strength in contact and such skill make him the complete player. If he stays fit, the Boks are in with a good chance of defending their RWC title. Take nothing away from Bongi Mbonambi but the Boks are a different team when Marx starts.
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2) EBEN ETZEBETH
Etzebeth puts the Boks on the frontfoot in attack and opposition defenders on the backfoot.
The lanky beast of a player is so strong in contact and brilliant in the line outs. Etzebeth fires up the players around him with his passion and physicality on the field and he is one of the leaders of every team talk. This is certainly the player you want with you not against you. Adding his strength to any mall or ruck gives the Boks an edge. He is hands down the best number four in the world for a reason.
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3) SIYA KOLISI (SPRINGBOKS CAPTAIN)
Kolisi leads on and off the field. Since returning he has assisted tries and scored one (against the All Blacks).
The Boks hammered Wales (52 – 16) and the All Blacks (35-7) since he returned. His energy and passion is felt by those around him and team moral is sky-high when he is playing. Kolisi is at the heart of everything the Boks do. Big hits on defense, strong carees, turnovers, malls, rucks even igniting counter-attacks with his offloading ability and runs down the wider channels.
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Never before has a player slotted back into a starting XV after several months sidelined with such ease – he seemed like he has not missed a beat (or game for that matter). Kolisi wears his heart on his sleeve and he inspires his players, a fantastic captain and great rugby player.
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