With every team announcement comes some form of criticism. Everyone has their opinion about who should and shouldn’t be in the team. The South African team to face Argentina are no different with some selections very pleasing and others leaving you to ponder.
There won’t be many who will argue with the all Sharks front row of Beast Mtawarira, Bismark du Plessis and Jannie du Plessis. They are aggressive, mobile and know each other well. The lock pairing of Andries Bekker and Eben Etzebeth will also not be a massive talking point as both players have what it takes to get the job done both as individuals and as a unit.
The loose forwards selected for this match will bring in some debate, but in my opinion it is the form combination in South Africa and all three players deserve their chance. With so many top class South African loose forwards out injured or unavailable it is actually unbelievable that the Boks can manage to field such a strong combination. I echo the sentiment that Marcell Coetzee is the find of the season and Willem Alberts is a massive weapon on any team. Keegan Daniel has a great opportunity to prove his doubters wrong and prove that he has a place in international rugby.
One of my major concerns lies at scrumhalf and fly half. While I have no doubt about the talent and skill that Francois Hougaard and Morne Steyn possess, their form of late has been under par. While I understand that players have dips in form, a Test match is not a place to regain it. Let’s hope they have rectified the aspects that have been hampering them and regained the form that is needed to help the Springboks progress.
The centre combination of Frans Steyn and Jean de Villiers is a solid pairing and I don’t think we’ve seen the full potential of this duo just yet.
On the wings, Habana and Mvovo, provide electrifying pace and are deadly finishers. They both have a knack for finding the try line and will be expected to close down the Argentinean speedsters.
Zane Kirchner is extremely fortunate to find himself as the starting fullback for the Springboks. Hopefully I get to eat my words, but there are many better fullbacks in South Africa playing Currie Cup rugby. Even though Pat Lambie has only recently recovered from injury he is still a better player than Kirchner at 15. In fact, on form, Louis Ludik and Gio Aplon are extremely unlucky not to make the squad.
The bench selected for Saturday is an exciting one. Expect Pienaar and Lambie to make an impact when utilised, they are rare talents and have natural rugby instinct.
My conclusion is that the Springboks have a highly talented side with lots of potential. There are some fantastic youngsters and some proven match winners in a side that is full of passion. Let’s hope they can pull it together!
SPRINGBOK TEAM: Zane Kirchner, Bryan Habana, Jean de Villiers (captain), Frans Steyn, Lwazi Mvovo, Morne Steyn, Francois Hougaard, Keegan Daniel, Willem Alberts, Marcell Coetzee, Andries Bekker, Eben Etzebeth, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Pat Cilliers, Flip van der Merwe, Jacques Potgieter, Ruan Pienaar, Pat Lambie, JJ Engelbrecht
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