Willie le Roux has been shifted to the wing but still poses a big danger. Photo: The Daily Telegraph
Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer’s team selection for Saturday’s match against the Wallabies hasn’t been well received back in South Africa.
Fans don’t believe it’s a strong enough side to beat the Wallabies and end their eight-match losing streak in Brisbane. Nevertheless, there are still some Bok players Australia should look out for.
Willie le Roux
Le Roux has brought a new dimension to the Springbok backline. With his passing and awareness of the space around him, not to mention his ability with ball-in-hand, he can make the opposition look silly. Ewen McKenzie even described the Cheetah’s flyer as, “almost Australian”, because of his high level of ball skills and rugby intelligence.
Zane Kirchner
Kirchner has been given the nod at fullback and it’s this selection that has irked South African rugby fans. Kirchner has been labelled ‘Plain Zane’ and has been criticized for being too predictable. Some of the criticism is warranted, but in truth Kirchner hasn’t put a foot wrong in a Springbok jersey.
Eben Etzebeth
The giant lock is recovering from flu and has been given until Friday to prove his fitness, but he has been named in the team. Should he be forced to pull out, it would be a massive blow to the Springboks. He’s a powerful player and Meyer is keen to see what Etzebeth and Flip van der Merwe can produce as a combination.
Bismarck du Plessis
The outstanding hooker spent years playing second fiddle to John Smit, then injury saw Adriaan Strauss take his place. But Du Plessis has finally been named in the starting lineup for Saturday after regaining his full fitness.
Morne Steyn
Morne ‘The Boot’ Steyn is indispensable for the Springboks. It was his kicking that got them over the line against Argentina in Mendoza two weeks ago – and that’s not the first time he’s come to the rescue. If the Wallabies aren’t disciplined in their own half, Steyn will boot the Boks to victory. Simple. – The Daily Telegraph
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