Only one side was able to defeat the New Zealand All Blacks in the year of 2014, and that was the Springboks. In doing so, the Springboks set a precedent for themselves. They had beaten the world’s best, and with that experience under their belt, they should be prepared to build on that platform. This Springbok side has a very good chance to win The Rugby Championship this season, and enter the World Cup with plenty of momentum.
Up front, the Springboks are amongst the best in the world. Tendai Mtawarira, and Bismarck Du Plessis fly around the field working like college students the night before an exam. As long as Bismarck can avoid clear and obvious penalties, such as when he committed the mortal sin of tackling Dan Carter
the Boks will do well in this area. It would be fantastic if we got to see Schalk Brits back in international rugby, but with the Boks depth at hooker, this seems unlikely.
Eben Etzebeth and Victor Matfield make for one of the world’s best lineout pairings in the second row, in fact, the Boks have taken to catching satellites in training. Matfield will captain the side, and his 121 caps means he has plenty of experience dealing with refs, which should help the Boks, even if they get a useless ref, like Furman University’s Zach Roberts (we all know one). Etzebeth’s mobility will create problems, and the second coming of Bakkies Botha loves to mix it up with his opposition in the tight phases as well.
The Boks back row has taken a big hit with the loss of 2013 IRB Player of the Year Duane Vermeulen, but they possess plenty of capable backup in this position. Marcell Coetzee has impressed this season, charging like a manticore every time he touches the ball, and he can make a big impact at the breakdown. Bath’s Francois Louw returns for the Springboks, and if he can be at his ball stealing, back smashing best, he will wreak havoc on the opposition. Warren Whitely is likely to step in at No.8, unless the Boks bring in the turbo charged Teboho Mohoje, who was solid in last seasons tournament. Of Course we cannot forget about Schalk Burger, who is back at his best, and is likely to be in the front of Heyneke Meyer’s mind.
Ruan Pienaar will bring his pinpoint box kicking to the table for the Springboks, but should Heyneke Meyer tire of his slower, more methodical approach, the young Cobus Reinach should more than satisfy. Both are good choices, and their battle for the 9 shirt should be fascinating.
Handre Pollard remains the favorite at 10 for the Springboks, and now that he has a bit more experience under his belt, he should really worry the likes of New Zealand and Australia. That said, his position is far from safe, with Patrick Lambie, and Morne Steyn likely to be breathing right down his neck. Both Pollard and Lambie are really well balanced, explosive players, who like to attack the line, but are not afraid to sit back and paint the corners with their kicks from hand. Another exciting position battle here.
In the centers, South Africa have plenty of good options in their squad. With Jean De Villiers unavailable (for the start at least) Damian De Allende is likely to start at inside center. De Allende has been unstoppable this season, and is in flying form, having cut the Brumbies to pieces in a losing effort in the Super Rugby Playoffs, he absolutely dominated the World XV last weekend. An outstanding young talent, expect De Allende to be at the center of the Springboks game plan in attack. 21 year old Jesse Kriel was electric against the World XV, and could be the elusive “x-factor” player the Boks have been looking for at 13, but if Heyneke Meyer chooses to play it safe, then the powerful Jan Serfontein is likely to be his choice for the shirt. JP Pieterson is also an option, but Meyer seems to prefer him on the wing, as it is his most natural position.
South Africa’s back three has plenty of pace and spark about it, with Willie Le Roux, Bryan Habana, and Cornal Hendricks the favorites. While lacking in size, this is probably one of the most elusive back three’s in international rugby at the moment. If Meyer wants some more grunt he can bring in Lwazi Mvovo, who had an outstanding Super Rugby season for the Sharks, bulldozing his way through plenty of tacklers. Should Le Roux go down with an injury, young Jesse Kriel is right at home at fullback, and his pace and agility mean that Le Roux would not be missed too much.
The Boks are a fantastic side, boasting youth, but also experience in spades. If ever there was a Springbok side to win The Rugby Championship, this is it, but as much as the Springboks have improved, the All Blacks have improved as well. When the Boks beat New Zealand, the All Blacks were without Wyatt Crockett, Brodie Retaillick, Ma’a Nonu, Aaron Cruden Dan Carter, and lost their second scrumhalf after subbing off Aaron Smith, forcing them to play without one. The loss of Duane Vermeulen is a big one, but is not a dead end for the Boks. Expect the boys in Green and Gold to push the All Blacks to the ragged edge, defeat them at home, but the Springboks will be forced to accept second place once again.
Probable Starting XV: 1. Tendai Mtawarira 2. Bismarck Du Plessis 3. Jannie Du Plessis 4. Eben Etzebeth 5. Victor Matfield 6. Marcell Coetzee 7. Francois Louw 8. Warren Whitely 9. Cobus Reinach 10. Handre Pollard 11. Bryan Habana 12. Damian De Allende 13. Jan Serfontein 14. Cornal Hendricks 15. Willie Le Roux
Young Player to Watch: Jesse Kriel
Most Important Player in Attack: Handre Pollard
Most Important Player in Defence: Bismarck Du Plessis
1) Duane even nominated for IRB Player of the year in 2013, let alone winning it.
2) Jan Serfontein is still injured.
Other than that, well written article, you might just want to do a little bit more homework before posting.