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Tuesday, 5 June 2018

The Springboks' debutants ... and those who have found their way back into the herd (rugby )


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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