In a significant reshuffling for the upcoming one-off Test match against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday, world champions South Africa have selected fresh faces Jordan Hendrikse, in the outhalf spot, and Edwill van der Merwe, on the wing. The team will be lead by Pieter-Steph du Toit. Ben-Jason Dixon, a flanker, and versatile player Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu can potentially enter the game from the bench, marking their first plays for the team. The coaching strategy by Rassie Erasmus boasts a 5-3 division of forwards and backs in the substituted line-up.
Due to timing outside the international window, the Springboks will play without their top-choice players from England, France and the Bulls, who will be playing in the United Rugby Championship final against Glasgow Warriors the same day. These absent players will reunite at the Springboks camp for two tests against Ireland in July.
Erasmus has praised the new picks, saying that their performance during training has made an impact and the team is confident in their ability to face teams as competitive as Wales. The rookies will be supported by a cadre of seasoned players, some of whom have previously won the Rugby World Cup.
The younger sibling of celebrated Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan, was selected ahead of Manie Libbok in a unexpected move. Yet, at 22, Jordan has demonstrated a commitment to exceeding expectations. On the other hand, seasoned player Makazole Mapimpi will join lightning-fast Van der Merwe on the wings, with Aphelele Fassi covering fullback. The centre combination of Andre Esterhuizen and Jesse Kriel will be fuelled by the invaluable experience of two-times World Cup winner Faf de Klerk, who will pair up with Hendrikse at scrumhalf.
Malcolm Marx, who was out with a serious knee injury during the World Cup in France, is marking his return by donning the hooker position. Ox Nche and Vincent Koch, who will be marking his 50th cap, will join Marx, forming an indomitable frontline.
Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert form the pair of locks, while flankers Kwagga Smith and Du Toit, along with Evan Roos, the number eight, also join the lineup. The trio kept in reserve as backs include scrumhalf Grant Williams, utility player Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who can play in the positions of outhalf, centre and fullback, and centre player Damian de Allende. Several members of the Springboks team are unable to participate due to injuries, such as Steven Kitshoff, Damian Willemse, Lukanyo Am and Kolbe.
On the opposing side, Warren Gatland, the head coach, has declared Dewi Lake as the captain for Wales in their game at Twickenham. Scrumhalf Ellis Bevan is set to make his Test debut. Lake, the hooker, steps into the captain’s role, previously held by Dayfdd Jenkins from the Six Nations earlier this year. Jenkins, however, along with some other players playing for English or French clubs, cannot make it to the match.
Jac Morgan, who was presumed to captain the team, had to exit the squad as he couldn’t make a full recovery from a hamstring injury during Ospreys’ URC quarter-final loss to Munster. Consequently, he will not embark on Wales’ forthcoming tour to Australia. Cardiff’s Bevan is selected to play as the scrumhalf, replacing Tomos Williams who underwent ankle surgery recently.
Matthew Screech of Dragons, aged 31, is set for his first start as a second row lock. He substituted once against Argentina three years ago. Wales has limited choices for locks, with eight probable options unavailable for the upcoming Saturday game. This led to the recent inclusion of James Ratti from Ospreys on Tuesday, both for the second-row and the back-row. He and others like Eddie James and Jacob Beetham might get their first play for Wales off the bench.
James Botham, who was called up to the squad only on Monday, is named as the openside flanker. On the blindside will be Taine Plumtree, earning his third cap. The last time he represented Wales was in August last year in a game against England at Twickenham. Liam Williams will make his debut on the wing after last year’s World Cup in France.
In Gatland’s words, “Although we’re in a bit of a tight spot this week, we are truly looking forward to the match on Saturday.”
“The coaching team and I are extremely satisfied with the level of commitment demonstrated by our players. This group possesses substantial potential and the forthcoming five weeks are crucial in our endeavor to mould this team,” commented Gatland, who is expected to reveal his team selection for the Australian tour following this Saturday’s Test.
The Welsh line-up includes players such as Cameron Winnett, Liam Williams, Owen Watkin, Mason Grady, Rio Dyer, Sam Costelow, Ellis Bevan, Gareth Thomas, Dewi Lake as captain, and Henry Thomas, Matthew Screech, Ben Carter, Taine Plumtree, James Botham, Aaron Wainwright. The reserve members are Evan Lloyd, Kemsley Mathias, Kieron Assiratti, James Ratti, Mackenzie Martin, Gareth Davies, Eddie James, and Jacob Beetham.
The South African team comprises of players like Aphelele Fassi, Edwill van der Merwe, Jesse Kriel, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Jordan Hendrikse, Faf de Klerk, Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, Vincent Koch, Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, and Pieter-Steph du Toit as captain, Evan Roos. Reserves are Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, Ben-Jason Dixon, Grant Williams, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian de Allende.
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