Rassie Erasmus will have a lot on his mind ahead of the Springboks’ upcoming Test against the Wallabies in Cape Town, given both the result at Ellis Park and the latest wave of injury blows.
Speaking earlier today, Erasmus confirmed he would be without four of his major players heading into the clash, with captain Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe all sidelined, but this will likely just fuel the widespread changes within his 23-man squad.
The Boks boss did not hold back following the 38-22 defeat to the Wallabies on Saturday, describing his post-match press conference as ‘one of the most embarrassing’ of his career and describing his team’s overall performance as ‘dogsh*t’, but he also revealed the defeat was so bad he has already changed his initial team which was named internally last week.
“We actually already picked next week’s team, so the players actually know the team, but we had a chat now in the changing room and that will probably change,” he said.
“We’ll have to rethink it. They tactically outsmarted us and also physically dominated us. The longer the game went on it, they were supposed to struggle at altitude and it just shows what Joe Schmidt is building there.
“He has a strong group of guys who believe in one another and got stronger as the game went on. Next week’s team was announced internally but we will review it tonight.”
That in itself is a reflection of the changes to come within this team heading into Saturday’s Test in Cape Town, but just how different could it look? Well, without further ado, here is our take on how the Springboks could line up this weekend.
15 Damian Willemse
With Erasmus likely to roll out the changes, Damian Willemse could be in line for a start this weekend. The World Cup winner has had to be patient in recent times, with his injury woes allowing Aphelele Fassi to become the regular starting full-back, but he is a real quality player within his own right and could properly stake a claim for his shirt with a strong performance in Cape Town. His ability to be that extra ball-player in the backfield will also be crucial given the Boks’ new attacking identity.
14 Canan Moodie
The Springboks have a crisis on the wings heading into this Test Two against Australia, which could see Canan Moodie thrust out wide. The Bulls’ utility has been looking for the golden time to nail his spot in the starting XV, and this seems the perfect opportunity to do just that.
13 Jesse Kriel
While he didn’t have his best game last weekend, Jesse Kriel will likely keep his place in the side for Test Two. The experienced back has been such an important cog within this Boks side for a good while now, particularly in the past two seasons, and you’d expect him to be a driving force for any Springbok improvement. You feel he needs a big game this time out, though.
12 Damian de Allende
Reuniting with Kriel in our predicted midfield is Damian de Allende. The imposing centre adds some serious firepower to this attack, especially with his well-timed lines against the grain, but it’s his defensive connection with his centre partner that will prove the real difference. Australia’s centres got some good change down that middle channel, so having a settled partnership could be the key to neutralising that. Andre Esterhuizen is unlucky to miss out.
11 Cheslin Kolbe
Another World Cup hero, Cheslin Kolbe, is likely to come straight back into the side following the injury to Arendse, and he should make an instant impact. The silky winger is one of the best players in the world right now, and brings heaps of X-factor to this Boks attack. His speed will also be crucial in neutralising Max Jorgensen as well.