Are these the new faces to expect in Springboks team?

Eben Etzebeth is the only injury casualty from the Springboks’ physical World Cup opening encounter against Scotland, but there are still expected to be a host of changes to a new-look side to face minnows Romania in their next game.

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These are the players who didn’t feature against Scotland, but can be expected to receive game-time against Romania.

Canan Moodie – back from injury, and it will be interesting to see him get another likely run at outside centre.

Andre Esterhuizen – huge opportunity to make another big statement at 12.

Makazole Mapimpi – he has a different role compared to four years ago, and will want to make a big impact.

Jaden Hendrikse – he may have slipped down the pecking order at scrumhalf, but should start this weekend.

Kwagga Smith – after quite a surprise omission against Scotland, he will want to come raring back.

Marvin Orie – the big lock will be determined to make the most of his start at No 5.

Jean Kleyn – If Eben Etzebeth doesn’t recover in time to face Ireland, Kleyn will want to prove he can step in.

Deon Fourie – For this game it’s likely that Fourie will cover hooker, and he will want to prove he’s got what it takes.

Cobus Reinach – With four scrumhalves in the Bok squad, Reinach will want to offer another reminder of the competition that exists.

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THIS IS HOW WE THINK THE SPRINGBOKS COULD LINE UP:

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Kwagga Smith, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.

16 Deon Fourie, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Frans Malherbe, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Franco Mostert, 21 Jasper Wiese, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Manie Libbok.

UPDATE: Etzebeth in doubt for blockbuster Ireland battle

RUGBY WORLD CUP SQUAD

FORWARDS:

Props: Steven Kitshoff (Ulster – 74 caps, 10 points), Vincent Koch (Cell C Sharks – 45 caps, 0 points), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers – 61 caps, 5 points), Ox Nche (Cell C Sharks – 19 caps, 0 points), Trevor Nyakane (Racing 92 – 61 caps, 5 points).

Hookers: Bongi Mbonambi (Cell C Sharks – 60 caps, 60 points), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears – 61 caps, 75 points).

Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Cell C Sharks – 112 caps, 25 points), Jean Kleyn (Munster – 2 caps, 0 points), Marvin Orie (Perpignan – 14 caps, 0 points), RG Snyman (Munster – 26 caps, 5 points).

Loose Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz – 69 caps, 30 points), Siya Kolisi (captain – Racing 92 – 75 caps, 45 points), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs – 33 caps, 25 points), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls – 12 caps, 0 points), Duane Vermeulen (SA Rugby – 68 caps, 15 points), Jasper Wiese (Leicester – 22 caps, 5 points).

Utility Forwards: Deon Fourie (DHL Stormers – 7 caps, 0 points), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat – 65 caps, 15 points).

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BACKS:

Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles – 48 caps, 44 points), Jaden Hendrikse (Cell C Sharks – 12 caps, 12 points), Cobus Reinach (Montpelllier – 25 caps, 45 points), Grant Williams (Cell C Sharks – 4 caps, 0 points).

Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers – 7 caps, 45 points), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers – 31 caps, 36 points).

Centres: Damian de Allende (Panasonic Wild Knights – 72 caps, 50 points), Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins – 13 caps, 0 points), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles – 61 caps, 60 points).

Outside Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls – 9 caps, 50 points), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath – 25 caps, 81 points), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls – 86 caps, 65 points), Makazole Mapimpi (Cell C Sharks – 38 caps, 115 points), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls – 6 caps, 10 points).

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