Ex-England flyhalf believes Boks could be World Cup favourites

The Boks got their Test season off to a flying start when they hammered Australia last weekend with a ‘second-string’ side of sorts, while they have mixed and matched with their selections for this Saturday’s clash against the All Blacks.

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The latest selection has again demonstrated the strength of the Boks’ squad, particularly considering the likes of Siya Kolisi, Handre Pollard and Jaden Hendrikse are not available for selection.

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In particular, this weekend’s bomb squad of Springboks – including the likes of Malcolm Marx, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen and Manie Libbok – has caught the attention of many envious onlookers.

Former England flyhalf Andy Goode even couldn’t help himself when he tweeted earlier in the week: ““Oh my Springboks! What a unit of a team and bench! Could be favourites for the Rugby World Cup with that outfit! Eddie Jones will be happy he didn’t face this bunch otherwise he could have taken 80 points last Saturday!”

So, do you agree with Goode. Do the Springboks have the best depth and firepower to potentially be installed as World Cup favourites? Let us know by clicking on the ‘add comment’ button at the end of this article

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HERE IS HOW THE BOKS-ALL BLACKS TEAMS WILL LINE UP:

All Blacks – 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith; 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Subs: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Tupou Vaa’i, 20 Dalton Papali’i, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Braydon Ennor, 23 Caleb Clarke.

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Springboks – 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Kwagga Smith, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth (c), 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Subs: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 21 Duane Vermeulen, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok.

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