CHANGING OF THE GUARD

Photos: African News Agency (ANA) | EPA By: Ashfak Mohamed

The Springboks have an opportunity to test some new combinations ahead of their double-header against the All Blacks this season.

The All Blacks will finally be back in South Africa this year with backto-back fixtures scheduled against the world champion Springboks.

But before Siya Kolisi & Co run out at Mbombela Stadium on 6 August to face the haka, there are plenty of questions that Bok coach Jacques Nienaber needs to answer.

The first contentious situation is at fullback. Willie le Roux is the incumbent, but for how much longer can the likes of Aphelele Fassi, Warrick Gelant and Damian Willemse be ignored at No 15?

Le Roux is playing in Japan at the moment while Fassi, Gelant and Willemse are fighting it out in the United Rugby Championship.

On current form Gelant probably has the edge, but Willemse has the inside lane with the Bok management after starting against Wales late last year.

Fassi has spent a lot of time in the national set-up, but has had limited game time although he has shown impressive touches for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship.

The three-Test series against Wales in July will hopefully see Nienaber employ a new fullback, as he knows what he has in Le Roux.

The next major issue is at flyhalf. Handre Pollard and Elton Jantjies are the established pivots, but both have had injury problems in recent seasons. With Morne Steyn retired, who is the next No 10? Lions youngster Jordan Hendrikse is also injured, but is expected to return in a few weeks.

Bulls star Johan Goosen is unfortunately out until about September, while none of the other United Rugby Championship flyhalves have really put up their hands.

There is a similar issue in midfield. Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am are the first-choice centre pair, but should Frans Steyn continue as a No 12 back-up? What about Willemse’s claims at inside centre?

Can Andre Esterhuizen’s incredible form for Harlequins still be ignored? And then Jesse Kriel is also operating in Japan …

Pieter-Steph du Toit is finally back on the pitch in Japan after missing most of last year’s Test season, but his absence highlighted a need for the Boks to identify a similar big ball-carrying No 7 flank.

While Kwagga Smith did a reasonable job in Du Toit’s absence, Nienaber should consider having a look at young guns such as Bulls star Elrigh Louw and Stormers No 8 Evan Roos.

Warrick Gelant and Aphelele Fassie will challenge Bok incumbent Willie le Roux for the No 15 jersey.