It’s pretty clear who Jacques Nienaber’s first-choice Springbok team is when everyone’s available, which makes Saturday’s second Test match against Wales in Bloemfontein even more important for a number of Bok newcomers.
Nienaber has named a matchday squad containing as many as six uncapped players, plus a number of former Boks who’ve been in the international wilderness for some time. Players like Evan Roos, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Marcell Coetzee and Warrick Gelant will all feel they have a point to prove as they look to impress the Bok coaching staff with an eye on earning a World Cup berth.
The Bok coach and his management team are likely to stick with their proven formula for the biggest matches of the year. The starting lineup for those Tests will be comprised of many of the familiar names that won the 2019 World Cup final in Yokohama, but there are still places in the wider squad up for grabs.
Which brings us to this weekend’s potential series decider in the City of Roses. Nienaber said in the media this week that he wanted to see what his newbies can do under pressure, with real stakes on the line. Wales were excellent last week, and the hosts could be out of sync what with so many new combinations named in the side.
Arendse and Roos will make their run-on debuts, while the likes of Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ruan Nortje, Deon Fourie and Grant Williams should all earn their first caps off the bench.
The storm that is @evanroos4 🌪️
The fierce 8th man will make his debut on the international stage this Saturday! pic.twitter.com/6IBIQkfavn— vodacomrugby (@VodacomRugga) July 5, 2022
The Stormers No 8, who recently claimed the URC Player of the Season award, is a popular pick among Bok supporters, while franchise teammate Fourie, who has been as influential, will become the oldest player to debut in Green and Gold when he runs onto the pitch.
Elsewhere, Coetzee and Gelant will each get a shot at Test footy for the first time since 2019. The latter, who missed the entirety of last season due to injury, was mesmeric for the Capetonians and deservedly gets a start.
Bulls skipper Marcell has been one of the most consistent South African players for years and brings a wealth of experience and class to the side.
But competition is fierce and there’s no guarantee any of the fresh faces in the squad will make the trip north to Paris for next year’s global showpiece. This weekend will be a litmus test that should ultimately determine which of Nienaber’s newly selected players will remain in the Bok frame over the course of the next two seasons in the build-up to their title defence.
