Springboks Lead the Charge in Rugby Championship 2023 with Duane Vermeulen as Captain

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rugby championship 2023 springboks

The Rugby Championship 2023 has begun, and South Africa’s national rugby team, the Springboks, are gearing up with high hopes and anticipation. They enter the tournament with their experienced number 8, Duane Vermeulen, leading them in their opening match against Australia at Loftus Versfeld.

A Diverse Squad

Vermeulen’s squad comprises Rugby World Cup winners and up-and-coming talents. Jean Kleyn, the former Irish international lock, makes his Springboks debut, adding to the intrigue. The backline features Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse, Vodacom Bulls wingers eager to dazzle their local fans.

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Veteran fullback Willie le Roux, along with Lukhanyo Am returning to the field and rekindling his Cell C Sharks provincial partnership with Andre Esterhuizen, assists in defense. Flyhalf Manie Libbok and loose forward Marco van Staden are set to make their first starts after previously serving as replacements.

Early Preparation for the Rugby Championship

To better prepare for the upcoming tests against New Zealand in the Rugby Championship, Springbok’s coach Jacques Nienaber sent 14 players early on Tuesday to acclimate and enhance their performance. In the absence of Siya Kolisi, Vermeulen takes on the responsibility as captain, having captained the Springboks against Argentina and the All Blacks previously.

Ready to Face Australia

The Springboks will face Australia in Pretoria this Saturday. The excitement of the Rugby Championship 2023 season is palpable as the team gears up to set the stage ablaze. A thrilling match against Argentina in Johannesburg will wrap up the tournament.

Squad List

Here is the list of the Springbok team set to face Australia in Pretoria:

  1. Ox Nche
  2. Bongi Mbonambi
  3. Frans Malherbe
  4. Jean Kleyn
  5. Marvin Orie
  6. Marco van Staden
  7. Pieter-Steph du Toit
  8. Duane Vermeulen (C)
  9. Cobus Reinach
  10. Manie Libbok
  11. Kurt-Lee Arendse
  12. Andre Esterhuizen
  13. Lukhanyo Am
  14. Canan Moodie
  15. Willie le Roux

Replacements:

  1. Joseph Dweba
  2. Thomas du Toit
  3. Vincent Koch
  4. RG Snyman
  5. Evan Roos
  6. Deon Fourie
  7. Grant Williams
  8. Damian Willemse

Ready to Conquer and Make History

As the 2023 Rugby Championship unfolds, the Springboks are ready to conquer the field and make a lasting impact in the world of rugby. With a perfect blend of seasoned champions and emerging stars, they are poised to leave their mark in history.

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Sarah Kendricks is a Cape Town journalist who covers the city’s vibrant food scene, from township kitchens reinventing heritage dishes to sustainable fine-dining at the foot of Table Mountain. Raised between Bo-Kaap spice stalls and her grandmother’s kitchen in Khayelitsha, she brings a lived intimacy to every story, tracing how a plate of food carries the politics, migrations and memories of the Cape.

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