On Thursday, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will name the team to face England this weekend, and it will be fascinating to see what composition he opts for when it comes to the ‘bomb squad’ substitutes.
Whether he goes for a 6-2 forwards-to-backs split among the substitutes, or perhaps 7-1 again, it will inevitably lead to questions about the latest criticism of the Springboks’ ‘bomb squad’.
Writing for UK-based publication The Times, Welsh rugby writer Stephen Jones suggested the Springboks’ replacement strategy detracts from rugby’s spirit, despite the fact it is completely within the laws of the game.
However, it has been rightly laughed off by World Cup-winning former Springbok Francois Louw.
“Where in the world did anyone come up with the argument that it’s unfair because ‘you’re too big’?” he told Netwerk24.
“Next, we’re going to hear we can’t pick Cheslin Kolbe because he’s too fast or Makazole Mapimpi because he’s too good. To claim it’s unfair because we’re ‘too big and strong’ is absurd.”
Erasmus is expected to name his strongest available team for this Saturday’s game against England, and it’s been confirmed that the team announcement media conference will take place on Thursday, 14 November, at 13:00 (SA time).
Kick off on Saturday is at 19:40 (SA time).
COULD THE SPRINGBOK BOMB SQUAD LOOK LIKE THIS ON SATURDAY?
South Africa (probable line-up): 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Lous, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Elrigh Louw, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Manie Libbok.
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