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Previewing the Springboks’ Rugby Championship Lineup

The anticipation surrounding the captain selection for the Springboks’ Rugby Championship opener against Australia has reached its peak. Reports suggest that the search for a new skipper has been narrowed down to two players: Lukhanyo Am and Duane Vermeulen. Both players are seen as strong contenders, and the final decision is expected to be announced by coach Jacques Nienaber in the coming week.

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Potential Captains

Lukhanyo Am, a potential future Springbok captain, already has experience leading the South African team. During the 2021 British & Irish Lions series, he captained the South Africa ‘A’ squad, showcasing his leadership abilities. On the other hand, Duane Vermeulen’s anticipated role in the World Cup adds to his appeal as a captain. He is expected to play a key part in the tournament and could be called upon to relieve Siya Kolisi during the France-based competition.

Back Row Strategy

Another choice made by the Springboks ahead of the Rugby Championship is the selection of a back row consisting of Bulls opensider Marco van Staden, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Vermeulen. This decision reveals the team’s strategy for the upcoming matches.

Impressive Talent

The Springboks squad features an impressive array of talent, with players hailing from various clubs and countries.

  • Props: Thomas du Toit (Sharks), Steven Kitshoff (Stormers), Vincent Koch (Stade Francais), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Ox Nche (Sharks), and Trevor Nyakane (Racing 92).
  • Hookers: Joseph Dweba (Stormers), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), and Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks).
  • Locks: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Marvin Orie (Stormers), RG Snyman (Munster), and Jean Kleyn (Munster).
  • Loose Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (Sharks), Evan Roos (Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Bulls), and Duane Vermeulen.
  • Utility Forwards: Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Deon Fourie (Stormers), and Franco Mostert (Honda Heat).
  • Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Herschel Jantjies (Stormers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), and Grant Williams (Sharks).
  • Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester), and Damian Willemse (Stormers).
  • Centers: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins), and Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
  • Outside Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Cheslin Kolbe (Toulon), Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), and Canan Moodie (Bulls).

With such a strong lineup, the Springboks are expected to be a force to be reckoned with in the Rugby Championship. The selection of a captain, be it Am or Vermeulen, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the team’s performance and leadership on the field. As fans eagerly await the announcement, one thing is certain: the Springboks are gearing up for a fierce competition.

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Emma Botha is a Cape Town-based journalist who chronicles the city’s shifting social-justice landscape for the Mail & Guardian, tracing stories from Parliament floor to Khayelitsha kitchen tables. Born and raised on the slopes of Devil’s Peak, she still hikes Lion’s Head before deadline days to remind herself why the mountain and the Mother City will always be her compass.

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