The Rassie Erasmus era gets underway this Saturday in Washington, D.C. as the Springboks begin their quest for redemption against Wales, writes Shaun Goosen.
South Africa v Wales
2 June
23h00
Washington DC
To Win (80 mins)
South Africa 7/20
Draw 20/1
Wales 49/20
Handicap
South Africa (-7.5) 9/10
Wales (+7.5) 9/10
The Dragons have claimed three of the last four matches played between the nations, but there is a new belief that the Springboks can turn the tide.
The Boks won just 11 of their 25 Tests under Allister Coetzee during two diabolical international seasons that led to supporters asking for the Coaches axing. Since Erasmus came back into the fold last year and was later named Head Coach, though many local fans have dared to dream again.
Erasmus has, of course, achieved notable success at the likes of the Cheetahs, Stormers, and Munster. Restoring the Springboks to the upper echelons of the world game will be his most formidable challenge yet.
The former Bok flanker has opted for a proverbial second-string team to tackle the Welsh, with many of his “starters” remaining behind in South Africa to prepare for next week’s first Test with England. Pieter-Steph du Toit will have the honour of leading them out to become Bok skipper number 60.
The 25-year-old Stormer will form a second-row partnership with debutant Jason Jenkins of the Bulls, while the likes of Travis Ismaiel, André Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Ivan van Zyl, Kwagga Smith and Ox Nche will also earn their first caps.
Marvin Orie, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Akker van der Merwe, Thomas du Toit, Rob du Preez, and Embrose Papier could all make their first Test appearances if they come on from the bench.
Ahead of their Argentina tour, Wales may not know how best to deal with this particular Bok roster. The inexperience of the side (there are just 134 Test caps in the starting XV) may well work in their favour, with the Welsh having faced precious few of the Bok players before.
The Boks will look to make inroads in midfield through their big ball carriers in Jesse Kriel and Andre Esterhuizen, which may free up Travis Ismael and Curwin Bosch to create out wide.
The likes of Akker van der Merwe are sure to make an impact when coming on in the final quarter or so to keep the Welsh busy throughout the 80-minutes.
Previous results:
2017: Wales won 24-22 in Cardiff
2016: Wales won 27-13 in Cardiff
2015: South Africa won 23-19 in London (RWC)
2014: Wales won 12-6 in Cardiff
2014: South Africa won 31-30 in Nelspruit
2014: South Africa won 38-14 in Durban
2013: South Africa won 24-15 in Cardiff
2011: South Africa won 17-16 in Wellington (RWC)
2010: South Africa won 29-25 in Cardiff
2010: South Africa won 34-31 in Cardiff
The teams:
South Africa: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Travis Ismaiel, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Ivan van Zyl, 8 Dan du Preez, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Kwagga Smith, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit (c), 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Akker van der Merwe, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Robert du Preez, 23 Warrick Gelant
Wales: 15 Hallam Amos, 14 Tom Prydie, 13 George North, 12 Owen Watkin, 11 Steff Evans, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Ross Moriarty, 7 Ellis Jenkins (c), 6 Seb Davies, 5 Cory Hill, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Dillon Lewis, 2 Elliot Dee, 1 Nicky Smith
Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Wyn Jones, 18 Rhodri Jones, 19 Adam Beard, 20 Aaron Wainwright, 21 Aled Davies, 22 Rhys Patchell/Gareth Davies, 23 Hadleigh Parkes
Verdict: Springboks (-7.5) 9/10
With each Bok player keeping an eye on forcing their way into Erasmus’ squad for the England Test series, I’m expecting them to outmuscle Wales and claim a win inside 10-points
Written by Shaun Goosen for Hollywoodbets
