One massive selection decision for Springboks

One massive selection decision for Springboks

As the Springboks prepare for this Saturday’s first Test against Ireland, the players will already have been informed of who has been selected in the matchday squad.

That news is shared internally at the start of the week, while the team announcement will then be made public on Tuesday, with Handre Pollard expected to slot in at No 10 ahead of Manie Libbok.

There is also a big call to be made at No 8, but Evan Roos is surely set for the biggest test of his young career as he remains the only real specialist eighthman available for selection.

The one massive selection for Springboks

For the most part, there aren’t expected to be many surprise selections, but it’s certainly not so cut and dried when it comes to making a call at fullback, particularly in the absence of injured Damian Willemse.

All considered, it would be a bold move to select Aphelele Fassi to continue at fullback ahead of veteran Willie le Roux, but the Sharks star was simply sublime under the high ball in the season-opening Test against Wales.

With Ireland expected to bring a prolific aerial game, it may make sense for Fassi to receive another opportunity while Le Roux offers insurance on the bench.

Having said that, for a game of this magnitude, Erasmus could feel it’s impossible to overlook the 93 Test caps of experience boasted by Le Roux.

*Who do you think should start at fullback on Saturday. Let us know by leaving a comment at the end of this article

Boks up for the challenge against the Irish

This Saturday’s match up will witness a clash between the No 1 and No 2 teams in the world, with the Springboks perhaps just marginally viewed as favourites.

“I believe we are in the right frame of mind for the challenge ahead against the world’s No 2 ranked team,” Erasmus commented.

“We had a chance to analyse what we did well against Wales. And the areas we need to put more emphasis on going into the Ireland Tests, and we were delighted with the professional manner in which the players made the mind-set switch to the series.

“There is a huge excitement in the group for the challenge ahead and that was evident on and off the field.”