Title

by
1 min read
springboks rugby championship

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.

Newsletter

Stay Informed • Cape Town

Get breaking news, events, and local stories delivered to your inbox daily. All the news that matters in under 5 minutes.

Join 10,000+ readers
No spam, unsubscribe anytime

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.

Tags:

You might be interested in

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.

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

v a
Previous Story

Minister Senzo Mchunu’s Update on Vaal River Pollution Intervention

justice system rehabilitation programs
Next Story

The Tragic Sleepover: A Tale of Broken Trust and an Unfinished Rehabilitation

Latest from Blog

sustainable farming community

Dawn, Dirt and Dinner: A Willowvale Kitchen Without Walls

In Willowvale, farmers cleverly plant in manurefilled pits to save water and feed the soil. They also build special ditches to catch rainwater, making sure not a single drop goes to waste. Cooking happens outdoors, over crackling fires, using fresh food grown right there. They even turn old things into new cooking tools. It’s all about living close to the earth and making every bit count, showing a deep love for nature.

Cape Town Traditional Governance

Cape Town Quietly Rewrites the Rules Between Tradition and the State

Cape Town is cleverly changing how it supports traditional initiation camps. They now treat these camps like temporary city areas, providing water, toilets, and trash pickup. This helps keep everyone safe and healthy, using smart data to track everything. It’s a quiet revolution, making sure old traditions fit smoothly into modern city life, and other cities are starting to notice this clever plan.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease South Africa

South Africa Plays Hardball on Hoof-and-Mouth: A Five-Year Blitz to Reopen R7 Billion in Beef Trade

South Africa is launching a massive fiveyear plan to crush FootandMouth Disease for good. They’re upgrading labs, getting tons of vaccines, and working with villages to tag and track every animal. This tough new strategy, backed by big money, aims to reopen a R7 billion beef trade with countries like China and the EU. They’re using strict rules, new tech, and even special meetings with local leaders to make sure no sick animal slips through. It’s a fullon war to protect their cattle and bring back their valuable beef exports!

South Africa Tourism

South Africa’s Gateways in November 2025: 3,1 Million Footprints in 30 Days

In November 2025, South Africa saw a massive 3.1 million people cross its borders. This huge number of visitors, especially 2.37 million noncitizens, made it the busiest November for foreign entries since before COVID hit in 2019. It was like a river of people flowing in, showing how popular South Africa had become again.