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The Springboks head to Britain for a three-test tour, with fierce competition at fly-half and scrum-half positions.
South Africa's half-back pairing will be in the spotlight as the world champion Springboks embark on a three-test tour of Britain starting with Scotland in Edinburgh on November 10.
With creative flair and a stable kicking game key to their attack, who starts at fly-half and scrum-half will be the focus of intense speculation.
Fly-half choices Manie Libbok and Handre Pollard offer contrasting styles for head coach Rassie Erasmus.
Libbok, praised for his quick handling, sharp runs, and playmaking skills, has seen limited action in the starting role, featuring in just two tests this season.
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In contrast, Pollard brings a calm, experienced hand and an impressive 80% success rate in goal-kicking, making him the more consistent choice for high-stakes moments.
The scrum-half position, too, is fiercely contested with Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach and Grant Williams each vying for the number nine jersey.
Faf de Klerk, a pivotal player in South Africa’s 2019 World Cup win, was available after a lengthy layoff due to a thigh injury but did not make the squad, possibly due to his lack of recent game time.
“We cannot look too far ahead and forget the present. But we also cannot get stuck in the present,” Erasmus said about the selection choices.
“There are guys in the squad who were not there before the last World Cup.”
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Young fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, hailed as a breakout talent this season, will miss out on the tour as he recovers from knee surgery.
Damian Willemse, another dynamic back, is sidelined by a groin injury, opening the door for Aphelele Fassi to continue his recent resurgence at full-back.
Fassi has shown impressive form after two years in the test wilderness, demonstrating his readiness to step up in Willemse’s absence.
South Africa’s backline selections are likely to include regulars Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse on the wings, with the experienced Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende at centre.
The Springboks’ eight victories in ten matches this season underscore their consistency, though a few positional battles remain for Erasmus and his coaching team to settle.
The Springbok forwards, historically one of the team’s greatest strengths, have similar depth and competition.
Hookers Bongi Mbonambi and Malcolm Marx will likely rotate, with Marx expected to add impact off the bench.
Ox Nche is favored at loosehead, while Vincent Koch steps in at tighthead for injured stalwart Frans Malherbe.
“There is a healthy mix of youth and experience, with most of the players having made strong statements in the Springbok jersey this season,” Erasmus noted.
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The coach, who has been integral to South Africa’s 2019 and 2023 World Cup successes, is balancing the immediate demands of the tour with the long-term vision for 2027.
Second-row powerhouse Eben Etzebeth is set to lead the pack, with competition from RG Snyman, Franco Mostert, and Ruan Nortje for the other lock spot.
Erasmus may lean towards Snyman’s familiarity with British conditions, a potential advantage in the November weather.
Pieter-Steph du Toit and captain Siya Kolisi are set to take the flanker positions, and Jasper Wiese will likely take over at No. 8 following Duane Vermeulen’s retirement after the World Cup final.
As the Springboks seek a clean sweep against Scotland, England, and Wales, they aim for their first undefeated European tour since 2013.
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While preparing for this test series, Erasmus acknowledges that many of his seasoned players will be closer to 40 than 30 by the next World Cup in Australia.
“Age is a factor as we plot the future,” Erasmus admitted, with an eye on building a squad for the next global showpiece.
“Ideally, we want three excellent players competing for every position.”
With half-back selections under the microscope and the forward pack packed with experienced players, the Springboks have the depth to tackle British conditions.
If Erasmus can get the mix right South Africa’s sights on a northern hemisphere sweep are well within reach.
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