The team options for Rassie Erasmus are plentiful but the key pick for the Springboks against Ireland is at flyhalf, and that must be Handre Pollard, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Siya Kolisi is set to lead the world champion Springboks in the much-anticipated two-Test series against Six Nations title-holder Ireland, which kicks off at Loftus Versfeld on 6 July.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane discusses the anticipation among South African fans as they debate the Boks’ team lineup for the upcoming matches between the two top-ranked teams on the planet. He emphasises the importance of the series in the Republic, likening it to the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour.
Keohane argues for fielding the most experienced Bok squad and strong starting XV to ensure victory, especially highlighting the crucial role of Pollard at flyhalf due to his reliable goal-kicking amid rumours that Manie Libbok will start.
He stresses that goal-kicking is essential at Test level, noting past missed opportunities against Ireland, and advocates for familiar faces in key positions.
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“It is that favourite week in every South African rugby supporter’s year when we all get to play national selector in debating the makeup of the first Springboks match 23 for the international season,” Keohane writes.
“What makes this year’s one extra special is that the world champion Springboks are playing Ireland, Six Nations winners and ranked second in the world. The Irish are the only team Erasmus’ back-to-back World Cup winners have not beaten between 2018 and 2023.
“The whispers coming out of the Bok training camp is that Libbok will start at flyhalf and not World Cup saviour Pollard.
“Libbok’s game-breaking attributes have been lauded within the Bok coaching structures and they see the positives in what Libbok can offer on attack as stronger than any missed goal-kicking opportunities.
“Pollard is the general at No 10 and he would always be my pick in the clutch Test matches, if he is available. Similarly Siya Kolisi as captain. The [team makeup] options are plenty, but the key selection is at No 10.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
