This is how the Springboks will line up against Australia

The Springboks will play three Tests in the abbreviated version of the Rugby Championship, starting with a clash against Australia, which takes place this weekend.

As the Springboks consider all their squad options for these crucial games in the build-up to the World Cup, there is set to be a careful balancing act when it comes to team selection.

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For the first battle of the year against Australia, it’s understood that there will still be some big-name players involved against Eddie Jones’ charges, but opportunities will also be presented to some players on the fringes.

The likes of Canan Moodie, Andre Esterhuizen, Manie Libbok and Marco van Staden will also be thrown into action from the first minute, and it’s these players who will particularly want to stake a claim for World Cup selection.

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THE FIRST SPRINGBOKS TEAM OF THE YEAR COULD LOOK LIKE THIS

All things considered, the starting XV at Loftus Versfeld is expected to look like this: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Duane Vermeulen (captain), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Marvin Orie/Jean Kleyn, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nché.

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All in all, it’s still a very strong side, with a mix between Springbok regulars and a few ‘fringe’ players.

* Let us know by clicking on the comment button at the end of this article if you feel this is what the first Test team of the year could look like?

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BOKS TRAINING SQUAD:

Props: Thomas du Toit (Cell C Sharks), Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers), Vincent Koch (Stade Francais), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Ox Nche (Cell C Sharks), Trevor Nyakane (Racing 92).

Hookers: Joseph Dweba (DHL Stormers), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Cell C Sharks).

Locks: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Eben Etzebeth (Cell C Sharks), Marvin Orie (DHL Stormers), RG Snyman (Munster), Jean Kleyn (Munster).

Loose Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (Cell C Sharks), Evan Roos (DHL Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Duane Vermeulen (Ulster), Jasper Wiese (Leicester).

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Utility Forwards: Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Deon Fourie (DHL Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat).

Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Jaden Hendrikse (Cell C Sharks), Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Cell C Sharks).

Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers), Elton Jantjies (Agen).

Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Cell C Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).

Outside Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Cheslin Kolbe (Toulon), Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz), Makazole Mapimpi (Cell C Sharks), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls).

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