Who will Rassie choose to take on the French this coming weekend?
The match has already been touted as a massive grudge match for Les Bleus, after their narrow defeat in the World Cup 2023. Erasmus has already delayed the team announcement to today.
A move which is uncharacteristic, as Erasmus names a team early so there is clarity in the preparation. It might be that he has already named the team internally, and so preparation continues as normal. Who will make the starting XV, come Saterday? We have a go at predicting the team.
- Thomas du Toit. Ox Nche has been ruled out after being injured during the match in Japan. Steenekamp came on the field and did well. Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been called up after Nche’s inury. Ntlabakanye is tighthead and he would probably be cover on that side. Gerhard Steenemap did well when he came on against Japan, but playing the Northern Hemisphere could be the experience in the conditions that the Boks need.
- Malcolm Marx. He looked back at his best against Japan. There can be no doubt that he will be the choice hooker against France, he is physical, excellent at line out time and he was deadly in the rucks, creating three turnovers.
- Wilco Louw. Louw came on and immediately made a difference scoring a try and gaining two scrum penalties.
- Eben Etzebeth. Although both RG Snyman and Lood de Jager had massive games against Japan, Eben will bring a force of physicality to match the French side. The Bokke are spoilt for choice at lock, with both Franco Mostert and Pieter Steph du Toit able to slot in.
- RG Snyman. Although not a traditional number 5 lock, he would bring that extra bit of physicality while also being able to run the lineouts. He is able to offload the ball like a centre which just adds another arrow in the quiver for the Boks against France.
- Siya Kolisi. Although he has come under some criticism recently, the Bok captain was tremendous against the Brave Blossoms. He was a consistent threat with and without the ball.
- Pieter Steph du Toit. The PSDT cyborg’s freakish workrate should be enough to include him in every game. “As jy bang is dan maak ons ‘n plan”- any team should be afraid everytime his name is on the teamsheet.
- Jasper Wiese. Jasper is a human wrecking ball. His heavy carries dent defensive lines while bumping off would be defenders. The French will be more physical and better organised defensively but it remains difficult to stop Wiese.
- Cobus Reinach. His tempo management and crisp service to Sacha probably gave his 10 the attacking oppertunities. He has played the majority of his rugby in the Northern Hemisphere and is an experienced campaigner.
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. He has been unstoppable in his last few outings. Erasmus will probably have Pollard on the bench as an insurance policy, but Feinberg-Mngomezulu is undoubtedly the form player. He has done nothing on the field to give the Boks management a reason to make a change.
- Kurt-Lee Arendse. He was impeccable under the high ball, and finished two opportunities. Arendse has done more than enough to keep his spot.
- Damian de Allende. Another good outing for de Allende against Japan, showing his defensive prowess. In combination with Jesse Kriel, teams are forced to try and run around the Boks, which makes life difficult for them.
- Jesse Kriel. Kriel was as phenomenal as always on defence against Japan. As defensive captain his contribution in organisation is immeasureable.
- Canan Moodie. Although he has been putting shifts at 13 in the last few games, Moodie is more than capable of plying his trade at 14. He is a solid defender, very safe under the high ball and attacks with pace and precision.
- Cheslin Kolbe. Kolbe has all the attributes that make for a very good fullback. Then again, he probalby has all the qualities that make for a very good outside back. He is an elusive runner and deadly on the counter attack. He is able to read the game well and also is able to kick a ball. Given the space at Fullback, the French will be hesitant to kick the ball too deep for fear of what Kolbe will counter with.
Only Erasmus knows who he will pick and why. There are many things that go on behind the scenes that we as supporters only get a chance to see once another documentary is made.
