Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has set the stage for an intense showdown with Scotland as he unveils a formidable ‘nuclear squad’ lineup for their upcoming match at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on Sunday. The team will feature a 7-1 bench split of forwards to backs, with Eben Etzebeth leading the charge as captain and Siya Kolisi providing backup off the bench. Kwagga Smith will mark his 50th appearance for the Boks starting at eighthman.
The spotlight will be on the imposing ‘nuclear squad’, comprising double World Cup winners such as Malcom Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Jasper Wiese. This powerhouse of forwards is expected to be unleashed early in the second half to dominate the field. Grant Williams is the lone back replacement on the bench, ready to provide support when needed.
The starting lineup sees Franco Mostert returning from injury to partner Etzebeth, Thomas du Toit securing the tighthead prop position, and Elrigh Louw and Marco van Staden forming a dynamic loose trio. In the backline, Willie le Roux, in his 98th game at fullback, will be supported by wings Canan Moodie and Makazole Mapimpi, with Andre Esterhuizen and Lukhanyo Am in the midfield. Handre Pollard and Jaden Hendrikse will control the game as the halfbacks.
This revamped team, with only four starters remaining from their previous victory over Argentina, presents an exciting mix of talent and opportunity for fringe players to shine. Erasmus emphasizes the importance of a strong performance against Scotland to build momentum for their upcoming clash against England at Twickenham.
Acknowledging the fierce competition posed by Scotland, currently ranked seventh in the world, Erasmus warns his team to be prepared for a relentless battle. He recalls the close match in the Rugby World Cup last year and anticipates an intense 80-minute showdown with the Scottish team. With the support of a passionate home crowd, Scotland will be a formidable opponent on their home turf, adding an extra layer of challenge for the Springboks.
As the Boks gear up for a thrilling encounter at Murrayfield, they are focused on delivering a top-notch performance and securing a crucial victory to kickstart their end-of-year tour on a high note. With a powerhouse lineup and a determined mindset, the Springboks are ready to face the challenge head-on and showcase their prowess on the international stage.
