Springboks: How the squad is likely to lineup against France

The Springboks are set to announce their team on Friday evening. Here is how the team is likely to look.

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Usually, the Boks name their team mid-week with a Tuesday or Wednesday announcement becoming the norm during the group stages of Rugby World Cup 2023.

However, this time around, Jacques Nienaber and Rassie Erasmus are keeping their cards close to their chest. So, let’s take a look at how the Springboks are likely to line-up against France.

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SPRINGBOKS SET TO GO ALL OUT AGAINST FRANCE

This is knockout rugby, the quarter-finals and a titanic showdown against one of the pre-tournament favourite, hosts France.

Therefore, there is no time for mixing and matching. All the planning has lead to this moment and it is time to throw the kitchen sink at it.

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So, let’s divulge into what this could mean for the Springboks line-up against France…

We expect Steven Kitshoff, Bongi Mbonambi and Frans Malherbe to front up in the front-row. Therefore, they will play a key role in asserting some crucial scrum dominance for the Boks. Furthermore, they will be joined up by Bok enforcer Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert.

Captain Siya Kolisi will have to be at his best motivating his side in front of 80 000 passionate French fans. Ensuring his side maintain passion and discipline and that he leads on the field. He will partner up with Pieter-Steph du Toit and we think Duane Vermeulen could earn the nod ahead of Jasper Wiese due to his experience and ability at the breakdown.

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Faf de Klerk will start. Meanwhile, the big question leading up to this match is whether Handre Pollard or Manie Libbok will start.

I believe Pollard will start with Libbok bringing x-factor off the bench. This is because he has the composure and experience the Boks need to start a game of fine margins where early points on the board are of utmost importance.

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The second major question has been whether Lukhanyo Am or Jesse Kriel will start. I believe that Am will partner Damian de Allende start given having impressed at training in the last two weeks. It is a gamble since he has not played yet but class is permanent and he has it in abundance.

Out wide, Kurt-lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe will form a dangerous back three with Damien Willemse, who has started the big games against Scotland and Ireland so far. Finally, Rassie has stated that they are contemplating a 5-3, 6-2 or 7-1 split. All things considered he will likely opt for a 6-2 split to ensure balance, forward dominance and x-factor off the bench across the park.

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LIKELY SPRINGBOKS LINE-UP AGAINST FRANCE

• 1) Steven Kitshoff
• 2) Bongi Mbonambi
• 3) Frans Malherbe
• 4) Eben Etzebeth
• 5) Franco Mostert
• 6) Siya Kolisi (C)
• 7) Pieter-Steph du Toit
• 8) Duane Vermeulen
• 9) Faf de Klerk
• 10) Handre Pollard
• 11) Cheslin Kolbe
• 12) Damian de Allende
• 13) Lukhanyo Am
• 14) Kurt-lee Arendse
• 15) Damian Willemse

BOMB SQUAD:

• 16) Deon Fourie
• 17) Ox Nche
• 18) Trevor Nyakane
• 19) RG Snyman
• 20) Marco van Staden
• 21) Kwagga Smith
• 22) Cobus Reinach
• 23) Manie Libbok