Connect with us

International Rugby

Pondering the Unchangeable | Rugby World Cup

Handre Pollard of South Africa during the Japan and South Africa Springbok Quarter-Final at the Tokyo Stadium,376-3 Nishimachi, Chofu, Tokyo 182-0032 Sunday, 20 October 2019.

Darry Worthington gives his opinion on the Springbok team selection for Sunday’s semi-final against the Welsh. 

Just over two years ago the South Africans were beaten 24-22 by Wales at the Principality Stadium. This game would ultimately lead to Rassie Erasmus’ taking over the Springbok helm and taking the ‘Boks from laughing stocks of World Rugby to a potential Rugby World Cup finalists in less than two years.

Photo Copyright Steve Haag Sport – Hollywoodbets 

Rassie has staged a revolution. There’s no doubt about it. His side are now true world-beaters, and the Welsh will know it.

The Welsh will also know that while the ‘Boks are a great side, they do have their downfalls. While many will point out Faf de Klerk’s lack of passing during the 26-3 victory over Japan, the problem is the midfield – well, at least for me – and Willie Le Roux. Damien de Allende has performed admirably at this World Cup but he’s still liable to a mistake – carrying the ball under the wrong arm during when he got his side in a great attacking position against Japan.

Outside De Allende is the most gifted outside centre in South Africa. Lukhayo Am is a class apart but the pressure got to him last weekend as he tried some audacious offload when a simple pop pass would have done the job. If he goes back to the basics, however, then Am will have a massive game against the Welsh, and possibly even in the semi-final.

On to Willie now. The former Cheetahs and Sharks man has always been a mistake-prone player but those mistakes generally came when he was trying to pull off something special – not when’s trying to catch a regulation pass. The thing about the Wasps man’s form can sky-rocket at any given moment and hopefully that he has a major upswing starting from this weekend.

While we’ve glanced over the backs, we haven’t really given the forwards a good look. For me, I’d keep the pack the same as the one that took on Japan. Of course, that requires Bongi Mbonambi to be fit and the Beast to dodge any retrospective action from his tackle last weekend.

The fatties are a well-balanced lot and they should give Wales all sorts of problems at the set-piece.

Verdict: Keep it the Same
If I was selecting the side I’d keep it the same -Obviously, this provided the two aforementioned front-rowers are available – Yes, it was far from polished against Japan but the Springboks won it and won it comfortably. The game plan will change against Wales. Especially after the French caught them napping early last weekend. I personally would be overjoyed with two narrow wins over the coming fortnight.

Register Now with Hollywoodbets Mobile

More in International Rugby