BOKS, TJOPS & DOPS: Exciting Bulls wingers to play in front of home fans for Springboks

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP 2023: VERMEULEN LEADS THE BOKS

In the Springboks’ first encounter of the Rugby Championship 2023 against the Aussies at Loftus Versfeld, they’ll be steered by the seasoned number 8, Duane Vermeulen.

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This will be his third stint as the skipper. Vermeulen’s squad is a mash-up of Rugby World Cup victors and promising rookies, including Jean Kleyn, the former Irish international lock, making his Springboks debut.

BULLS’ WINGERS READY TO IMPRESS AT HOME

The backline is lit up with Vodacom Bulls wingers Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse, prepped to put on a show for their local fans during the Rugby Championship match against Australia.

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Veteran fullback Willie le Roux is the last line of defence, and Lukhanyo Am is back in action, reviving his old Cell C Sharks provincial partnership with Andre Esterhuizen. Flyhalf Manie Libbok and loose forward Marco van Staden are both slated for their first starts, following their previous stints as replacements.

EARLY DEPARTURE FOR BOKS AHEAD OF NEW ZEALAND TESTS

Springbok’s coach Jacques Nienaber has designated 14 players to depart early for New Zealand on Tuesday. The move aims to help the team acclimatise and boost their performance in the upcoming Tests of the Rugby Championship.

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Vermeulen, who had previously captained the Springboks against Argentina and the All Blacks, steps up to the plate in Siya Kolisi’s absence.

BOKS KICK OFF 2023 WITH HIGH HOPES

Get ready for an electrifying Rugby Championship 2023 season kick-off as the Springboks face Australia in Pretoria this Saturday. With an explosive final match against Argentina in Johannesburg, the team is all set to ignite the tournament.

ALSO READ: Springboks: ‘Rugby Championship is a stepping-stone to Rugby World Cup’

Packed with Rugby World Cup champions and an emerging wave of talent, the Springboks fearlessly embrace the challenge that lies ahead. Brace yourself for an exhilarating journey as South Africa rallies behind the team’s pursuit of glory on the grandest stage.

SPRINGBOK TEAM TO FACE AUSTRALIA IN PRETORIA

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

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REPLACEMENTS

16 – Joseph Dweba
17 – Thomas du Toit
18 – Vincent Koch
19 – RG Snyman
20 – Evan Roos
21 – Deon Fourie
22 – Grant Williams
23 – Damian Willemse