Jordan Hendrikse as the starting flyhalf is the signature selection as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus takes a peek at the future in Saturday’s first international of the new season against Wales at Twickenham.
As anticipated, Erasmus has decided to use this game as an opportunity to spread his selection net ahead of the Ireland series and the Castle Lager Rugby Championship that will come later in the season. The side has an experimental look to it although Erasmus has been wise in largely sticking with tried and trusted experienced players in his pack and wise old hands around the newcomers.
The Leicester Tigers double World Cup winning flyhalf Handre Pollard is unavailable even though he is in the squad that is training in Pretoria because this game falls outside of the international window, and there is no Manie Libbok. So it is a bold move on Erasmus’ part to go with two rookies as his pivot options, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu backing up Hendrikse.
Evan Roos gets his chance at No 8 after playing well there in the past, particularly in the November test match against England at the same Twickenham venue in 2022, before he had his momentum ruined by injury. Roos has been back to his best form for the Stormers this season. Roos’ franchise captain Salmaan Moerat is playing off the bench, his first appearance for the Boks in two years.
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