Erasmus names experienced squad for Ireland clash

Springbok coach, Dr Rassie Erasmus, named an experienced matchday 23 squad featuring 20 Rugby World Cup-winners for their opening Incoming Series Test against Ireland at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.

The game is expected to be a humdinger of an encounter between the top two ranked teams in the world.

The three players in the 23 who did not participate in the international spectacle in France, where the Springboks claimed their second successive RWC title, are Gerhard Steenekamp, Salmaan Moerat and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who will all start on the bench.

Twelve of the starting 15 for Saturday’s clash started in the 12-11 RWC final victory over New Zealand, with the other three (Willie le Roux, Kwagga Smith and Ox Nche) coming off the bench in the final.

The selection of previously unavailable players means that the team shows eight changes to the one that defeated Wales by 41-13 in London last month, as Erasmus welcomed back captain Siya Kolisi, Le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Handre Pollard, Marco van Staden, RG Snyman and Steenekamp.

“This is the team we believe will give us the impetus we need against Ireland, who are the second highest ranked team in the world,” said Erasmus.

“We are blessed to have a lot of depth in our squad, and we are in a fortunate position to have several Rugby World Cup-winners in our ranks who know what it takes to perform at the highest level and play against the best teams in the world.

“The fact that most of these guys have played together is a bonus for us, and most of them have faced Ireland before so they are well aware of the challenge that lies ahead, especially since we haven’t beaten them since 2016.”

Erasmus said he was in a fortunate position to be able to call on so much Rugby World Cup winning experience.

“It’s great to be in such a position, and while it may serve as a mental boost, Ireland are a quality outfit and they’ll come out guns blazing. This is a new year for us with new systems in place, so while it certainly helps that most of the players have won a World Cup or two, this is a fresh chapter for us.”

The Boks coach expressed excitement to see what dimension Steenekamp, Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Moerat would bring to the game – which will mark Steenekamp and Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s second Test matches.

“Gerhard made a strong statement in the front row against Argentina in Buenos Aires last year and we were equally pleased with how easily Sacha slotted in and the contribution he made against Wales. Sacha, similarly, to Grant (Williams), also offers us additional options in the backline, as he can cover flyhalf and centre, while Grant is efficient at scrumhalf and wing, which places us in a good position with the six-two split,” he added.