JOHANNESBURG - There will likely be only one or two survivors
from the Test match against Wales when the Springboks take
on England in the opening match of their three-Test series in
Johannesburg on Saturday.
Most of those players will probably be on the bench following the
young Bok team's uninspiring performance in the 22-20 defeat
by the equally green Welsh team in Washington DC.
Coach Rassie Erasmus kept his starting lineup at home to
prepare for England while the others travelled to America. So
as many as four players will likely make their run-on debuts for
the Boks at Ellis Park, while three overseas-based players are
set to be welcomed back from the international wilderness.
Wings Aphiwe Dyantyi and S'bu Nkosi, outside centre Lukhanyo
Am and Bulls lock RG Snyman look set to run on in the green
and gold after some impressive performances so far in this
year's Super Rugby competition.
But Erasmus is also set to infuse his team's spine with a couple
of grizzled veterans such as Willie le Roux and Duane
Vermeulen, while the quicksilver Faf de Klerk's impressive
showing in the Aviva Premiership will probably land him the No 9
jersey.
KweséESPN takes a look at what the greenhorns and veterans
could bring to the party if they are selected in Erasmus' 23-
man squad for the first Test against England.
The debutants ...
Aphiwe Dyantyi (Lions)
Dyantyi has set Super Rugby alight in his debut season, scoring
spectacular tries on successive weekends in the first couple of
rounds. The 23-year-old flyer is fast, very fast, but also
possesses a lot of skill and match intelligence. The Boks are in
desperate need of a player who can convert those half chances
into tries, and he may just be Erasmus' man. Give this man
some space, and he could create havoc out on the wing.
Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
Am was unlucky not to make his Springbok debut this time last
year after a fractured jaw ruled him out of the series against
France. Am finally debuted against Wales in November when he
played a couple of minutes off the bench, but on Saturday his
consistency is likely to be rewarded. Am is a solid defender to
go with his great attacking skill. He is also strong in the tackle
and at the breakdown.
Sibusiso Nkosi (Sharks)
The Springboks have been looking for some physicality in the
wide areas, and the Sharks wing may just be their solution.
Nkosi weighs a shade under 100kg, but is an explosive player on
attack and defence in the wide areas. He is also a wonderfully
balanced runner, well endowed in the pace department. He will
certainly be tested by the England kickers, but he can hold his
own under the high ball.
RG Snyman (Bulls)
The former South African U20 lock has been in great form for
the Bulls and formed an outstanding partnership with Lood de
Jager, who unfortunately sustained a season-ending injury
last month. Snyman was impressive with his all-round game this
season. He has been the Bulls' enforcer, but also a reliable
source of lineout ball. However, John Mitchell added another
string to his bow, as the big man has showed some lovely
touches offloading in the tackle.
Back from the wilderness ...
Willie le Roux (Wasps)
The Wasp man is likely to start at fullback ahead of the in-
form Warrick Gelant because he will add some experience and
help the two greenhorns. Le Roux is a fantastic attacking
player, but his time in England has helped him become tactically
savvy. The former Cheetahs star has blown hot and cold in the
green and gold, but he remains a player with a lot of vision and
can be a match-winner for the Boks.
Faf de Klerk (Sale Sharks)
De Klerk's rose to prominence with the Lions in Super Rugby
and flourished in their high-octane, attacking style of play. De
Klerk is feisty little player and had a good first series for the
Boks against Ireland in 2016. However, later that year, he was
thrown under the bus by Allister Coetzee, who said his tactical
kicking wasn't up to scratch at this level. Since his move to the
UK, though, his kicking has come along nicely and he is even
kicking at goal for his club.
Duane Vermeulen (formerly of Toulon)
While Vermeulen actually played a couple of matches for the
Boks in November, the No 8 is apparently going to come back
and play in South Africa after a few years with Toulon. 'Thor'
is a massive player for the Boks, as his experience and world-
class talents will add a lot of value to their effort. Vermeulen
is a great ball-carrier and fearsome defender, but also a guy
who makes a massive contribution at the breakdown. He has
been welcomed back in the country with open arms.
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