The Springboks are set to pick an unconventional lineup for their opening Test of 2024 against Wales. Here’s a potential formation.
SA Rugby has added another Test to the 2024 schedule, with the Springboks facing off against Wales at the renowned Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, 22 June, marking the season’s start.
The game against Wales occurs two weeks prior to the Springboks’ high-profile two-Test series against Ireland. However, the London match falls outside the official Test window, necessitating a secondary squad for the trip to Twickenham.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will be unable to select prime players from France or England, and it’s also improbable that players based in Ireland will be available.
This match may offer several players their first Test appearances, with Erasmus indicating that the team will mainly consist of players from the year’s first Springbok alignment camp.
COULD THIS BE THE SPRINGBOKS’ STARTING LINEUP FOR THE FIRST TEST?
Erasmus is expected to evaluate some promising talents in this matchup, while incorporating seasoned players to maintain a balanced team.
Projected Springbok lineup: 15 Canan Moodie, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Quan Horn, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Kwagga Smith, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Salmaan Moerat, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain), 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
*Share your thoughts on this experimental lineup by leaving a comment below.
ERASMUS TO PICK FRESH-FACED SQUAD
“The Welsh Test isn’t exactly a prep for the series against Ireland,” Rassie Erasmus mentioned in a Cape Town press conference last week. “It’s outside the window. So, the team will be chosen from those 43 individuals who attended the alignment camp, along with a few Japan-based players.
“It’s almost an independent Test match. Some players at Twickenham won’t be in the Ireland Test… I wouldn’t call it a warm-up. It’s a significant Test against a Welsh team eager to ignite a spark. They have young talents nearly ready to shine, making them a formidable opponent.”
