Three backs who could be World Cup game-changers for Springboks
With the World Cup just around the corner, we take a look at three Springbok backs who could take the tournament by storm.
The Springboks will launch their Rugby World Cup title defence on Sunday, 10 September, against Scotland in Marseille, which will be followed by pool matches against Romania in Bordeaux (17 September), Ireland in Paris (23 September) and Tonga in Marseille (1 October).
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With South Africa’s world title defence soon set to kick off, we take a look at three backs who could be game-changers in France.
Kurt-Lee Arendse
The speedster has hardly put a foot wrong since the start of his Test career, and added another hat-trick to his remarkable try-scoring tally in the opening game of the Rugby Championship against Australia.
Arendse has now scored 10 tries in nine Tests, and it’s expected that he will don the No 11 jersey for the Springboks’ ‘big’ games at the World Cup.
With his X factor, speed, aerial strengths and all-round dynamism, there is no doubt that South Africa will be able to keep opposition defences guessing.
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Manie Libbok
It’s quite remarkable that Libbok has suddenly shot up the ranks to now serve as the Springboks’ first-choice flyhalf after an injury to Handre Pollard.
The Stormers star’s decision-making and distribution has generally been impressive at the start of the 2023 season, while his ability to kick with both feet sets him apart.
If the Springboks are to progress all the way at the World Cup, they will undoubtedly need Libbo to rise to the occasion in no uncertain terms.
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Cheslin Kolbe
Kolbe on one wing, Arendse on the other… It’s a mouthwatering prospect for the Springboks’ attacking options at the World Cup.
There is no doubt that Kolbe’s experience will be of immense value at the World Cup, while his impressive performance against the All Blacks in Auckland recently served as a timely reminder of his all-round impact.
Kolbe was arguably the Springboks’ most impressive player at the 2019 World Cup, and there is no doubt that he remains a one-of-a-kind game changer.
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WORLD CUP FIXTURES:
Sunday, 10 September – Boks v Scotland (Stade Velodrome, Marseille), 5:45pm
Sunday, 17 September – Boks v Romania (Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux), 3pm
Saturday, 23 September – Boks v Ireland (Stade de France, Paris), 9pm
Sunday, 1 October – Boks v Tonga (Stade Velodrome, Marseille), 9pm
Weekend of 14/15 October – Quarter-finals
Weekend of 21/22 October – Semi-finals
Saturday, 28 October – Final
RWC WARM-UP FIXTURES:
Saturday, 19 August – Boks vs Wales (Principality Stadium, Cardiff), 4:15pm
Friday, 25 August – Boks vs New Zealand (Twickenham, London), 8.30pm
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