By Ayand Nyuswa
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has named a strong squad for their Casle Lager Rugby Championship opener against Australia in Johannesburg on Saturday. The squad features a total of 18 Rugby World Cup winners and only one player (Asenathi Ntlabakanye) who made his debut in the this year’s incoming series.
Utility forward Jan Hendrik Wessels, wing Edwil van der Merwe and prop Ntlabakanye are the only players that have less than five test caps who have made the squad. The most experienced campaigner is Eben Etzebeth who will extend his record as the most capped Bok of all-time to 134 appearances. Etzebeth will control the engine room alongside Lood de Jager, ahead of them will be a front row that features hooker Malcom Marx with Props Ox Nche and Wilco Louw. Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will wear the number 8 jersey for the first time in a test to form a loose trio alongside Pieter-Steph du toit and Marco van Staden.
Erasmus has opted for an exciting back three that features Aphelele Fassi, Kurt Lee Arendse and Edwil van der Merwe. The midfield will be anchored by Jessie Kriel and Andre Esterhuizen with Grant Williams and Manie Libbok forming an exciting half back pairing. The bench will feature a 5/3 split between the forwards and the backline players.
