Sport 2020

South Africa’s players Tendai Mtawarira (L), Bongi Mbonambi (C) and Trevor Nyakane (R) celebrate after winning the Rugby Championship at the end of a match between Argentina and South Africa in Salta, Argentina, on August 10, 2019. – South Africa thrashed Argentina 46-13 in Salta Saturday to win the Rugby Championship for the first time. (Photo by Juan GASPARINI / AFP)

A look at the Springbok World Cup squad: The forwards

Rassie named a 17-strong forward contingent for the World Cup.

Sport 2020

South Africa’s players Tendai Mtawarira (L), Bongi Mbonambi (C) and Trevor Nyakane (R) celebrate after winning the Rugby Championship at the end of a match between Argentina and South Africa in Salta, Argentina, on August 10, 2019. – South Africa thrashed Argentina 46-13 in Salta Saturday to win the Rugby Championship for the first time. (Photo by Juan GASPARINI / AFP)

The Springboks’ great success in the Rugby Championship was achieved with a great style, there was  an energy to the game. A game plan comprising both substance and panache.

Before the panache, substance is key and we look at the Bok heavies who will look to build a foundation of substance at the Rugby World Cup.

A look at the Springbok forwards heading to Japan

Rassie named a 17-strong forward contingent for the World Cup, Test centurion Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira is the most capped forward and probably just ahead of Steven Kitshoff in the pecking order.

Kitshoff is a viable option to start for the Springboks, but has enjoyed some of his finest Springbok outings off the bench providing great ball carrying and mobility around the park when the game opens up

South Africa’s best two hookers, Malcolm Marx and Bongi Mbonambi, are very closely matched with both players performing admirably in the Championship.

The smart money is on Rassie Erasmus alternating them in the first three pool games before settling on one in the playoffs, one is likely to sit out one game as Schalk Brits might be given a shot.

Trevor Nyakane has surged to the front of the tighthead prop line and will go to the World Cup as the first choice to anchor the scrum, he is in great form and will hopefully carry this form into the tournament in Japan.

The real tighthead conundrum Rassie might face is utilising Saracens prop, Vincent Koch or Frans Malherbe off the bench. Both arguments have merit. Frans Malherbe for set-piece stability later on in the game while Koch offers more zip in the ball carrying stakes and gets around the park.

The lock pairing will pretty much pick itself, Franco Mostert and Eben Etzebeth. RG Snyman with his incredible athleticism and centre-like hands is the perfect player to come on in the second row when defences begin to tire out.

Lood de Jager is the fourth option at lock and his physicality and lineout prowess will come in handy when he is handed the opportunity at some point in the pool games

Rassie Erasmus is spoilt for choice at loose forward with all his options versatile enough to cover other spots in the loose trio. Siya Kolisi will captain from the openside while on other side Pieter-Steph du Toit will continue his rapid rise in the no.7 jersey.

Duane Vermeulen is the only specialist 8thman in the group and will be at the back of the scrum in the Boks’ World Cup opener. Francois Louw should pip Kwagga Smith for the bench spots, not only for his ability to play across the backrow, but also his experience and breakdown nous off the bench which have been invaluable for the Springboks in recent seasons.

Kwagga Smith will in all likelihood be third choice 8thman behind Louw and Vermeulen. He will also deputise for skipper Siya Kolisi at openside flank.

The Springbok have a strong core in the pack and will go to Japan with one of the best group of forwards, boasting dynamism and physicality. The skill level has improved all-round and bodes well going into the most open Rugby World Cup in the professional era.

Star Attraction

Pieter-Steph du Toit carried his 2018 form into 2019 and his continued strides on the side of the scrum are hard to miss. A relentless ball carrier, bruising tackler, an excellent lineout option. His support running is a notable facet of his game underlies his value. He is South Africa’s best forward at present and is surely close to being the best in the world at blindside flank.

Crucial to the cause

Franco Mostert is probably the most underrated tight forward in the South Africa, but his work rate and hard yards in the trenches allow other player to prosper. His lineout potency is also invaluable on his own ball and oppositions. If Mostert gets down in the warzone, the Springbok’s cause will be much stronger.

Most Valuable Player

It is hard to look past Siya Kolisi, he has the unenviable task of carrying the hopes of a nation on his shoulder and if he scratches the surface of his best form, he’ll be an unstoppable ball runner down the middle and wider channels. Kolisi’s agility and soft hands make him a tough player to defend against, but above his own playing ability. His leadership is so important and that makes him invaluable to the Bok cause.