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South Africa go for 7-1 bench split as Etzebeth returns for Ireland
By Josh Raisey
South Africa have named a 7-1 split on their bench for their blockbuster fixture against Ireland at the Stade de France on Saturday.
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Lock Eben Etzebeth has returned from the shoulder injury that forced him off the pitch against Scotland in round one of the World Cup to start against their Pool B rivals.
Etzebeth left the field in Marseille before half an hour had passed in the Springboks’ win over Scotland, and subsequently missed the 76-0 win over Romania as many others did, but the 31-year-old has recovered in time to take the field in Paris against the world number ones.
The sole back on the bench is scrum-half Cobus Reinach, who is fresh from a hat-trick against Romania. That means there is not yet a place in the squad for Handre Pollard, who was called up to the Springboks’ squad on Sunday to replace injured hooker Malcolm Marx.
Bongi Mbonambi starts in the No2 jersey in Marx’s place, with Deon Fourie starting as the substitute hooker.
Despite naming seven forwards on the bench, veteran No8 Duane Vermeulen has failed to make the squad entirely. Fellow veteran Willie le Roux has been one of the backs to get the axe as well, as Damian Willemse starts at fullback.
“Ireland are a quality team with a strong pack of forwards and talented backs, and they play with a lot of speed, so we know what we have to do to deliver a top-drawer performance for things to go our way,” South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber said.
“We faced them late last year and we’ve been keeping an eye on their performances this year, so everyone knows what we have to do this weekend.
“We’re fortunate to have a match-fit squad and have been building depth and versatility for a while and believe this is the best combination for this match. For many of these players this is their second or third World Cup, so they know what it takes to perform at this level, and we believe this team has the right balance of players to achieve what we would like to achieve in this match.
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“We know it’s going to be a grind of a match and we know we need to pitch up physically and mentally. We also need to start with intensity and stay focused until the final whistle.
“This is a massive game for both sides with an eye to progressing out of our pool, so we need to be extremely accurate in all areas of our game.”
Springbok team to face Ireland in Paris:
15 – Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers) – 35 caps, 56 pts (4t, 9c, 4pg, 2dg)
14 – Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls) – 11 caps, 60 pts (12t)
13 – Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 63 caps, 70 pts (14t)
12 – Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 74 caps, 50 pts (10t)
11 – Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) – 27 caps, 81 pts (12t, 3c, 5pg)
10 – Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers) – 10 caps, 71 pts (1t, 21c, 8pg)
9 – Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles) – 51 caps, 50 pts (5t, 5c, 5pg)
8 – Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers) – 24 caps, 5 pts (1t)
7 – Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 72 caps, 40 pts (8t)
6 – Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92) – 78 caps, 50 pts (10t)
5 – Franco Mostert (Honda Heat) – 68 caps, 15 pts (3t)
4 – Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 114 caps, 25 pts (5t)
3 – Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers) – 65 caps, 5 pts (1t)
2 – Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 64 caps, 65 pts (13t)
1 – Steven Kitshoff (Ulster) – 78 caps, 10 pts (2t)
Replacements:
16 – Deon Fourie (DHL Stormers) – 8 caps, 5 pts (1t)
17 – Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 23 caps, 0 pts
18 – Trevor Nyakane (Racing 92) – 64 caps, 5 pts (1t)
19 – Jean Kleyn (Munster) – 5 caps, 0 pts (Ireland 5 caps)
20 – RG Snyman (Munster) – 30 caps, 5 pts (1t)
21 – Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls) – 16 caps, 0 pts
22 – Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 35 caps, 30 pts (6t)
23 – Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) – 28 caps, 60 pts (12t)
The reality is both teams can afford to lose this game unless Scotland beat Ireland then it was a risk. Deon, Kwagga and Cobus can fit into the midfield, take it up and the release the runners. DDA does that and you will probably find they are similar in pace over the first 40 meters. Os Du Rand was faster than James Small in the first 40m in 1995. People are so focussed on the split they forget everything else. For all we know Duane might be needing the rest. Going to be a good show, but I think O Mahoney will be behaving. Biggest risk in any games is getting a red card over ill discipline or bad tackle technique.
Going to be tough for the Boks. But for the last 2 years our URC franchises have played Leinster many times and have a fair idea what to expect. The make up of Ireland and how they play is known to us now. But our make up is not that well known as we combine guys from various geographies and they then spend 3 months with Rasnaber working on a game plan which is unique. Bloody hell, 7/1. This is going to be fun, and whatever happens it will be one hellava match. Hopefully the Boks qualify for the quarters, but if not, the Boks have been a real roller coaster with Rasnaber. Have enjoyed the ride.
Clever play I think - Rass/Naber have a list of "instant" excuses should they loose. 1). 7/1 is experimental, 2). Pollard didn't play, 3). No recognized hooker. But should they win......that'll will send shivers down the spines of every team left in the comp.
We wouldn't use Pollard as an excuse. He isn't in our main team at the moment. As for the 7-1, it is a gamble we are more than willing to take because we are pretty much garunteed a spot in the quarters.
What some might call ‘innovation', others might call ‘arrogance'. The final result will be the judge of that.
A few years ago the Boks style of play was boring and now it's arrogant. Haters will hate!
It's maybe risky, if more than 2 backline players go down they will have to put Fourie in the backline (or Kolisi?), on top of Kwagga Smith. But why on earth is it arrogant?
Big call, Injuries could play a part if a back goes down. Risky strategy but if the backs dont get injured fowards will bring the power off that bench. Think the fact that Vermeulen was not selected shows they want great mobility coming off the bench. Think if Ireland take the lead here and Springboks have to chase the game then they will struggle with this balance.
I would think they have a full plan for if 2 or 3 backline players go down. For 1 it's a pretty straight reshuffle I guess.
If it's 2, Kwagga will go to the backline, probably on wing?
And if it's 3 Kolisi or Fourie I would guess (if Kolisi hasn't been subbed yet!). But wouldn't know where, at 13? Or on the other wing?
Wow shocker same as against new zealand.😱😂
It isn’t the same selection though. Deon Fourie is no Malcom Marx, for a start. The whole ‘bomb squad’ theory is going to be put the test here, because the personnel they are selecting are quite different.
Sorry for not keeping up, is Moodie injured? Otherwise can't believe he wouldn't be in the match day squad. Ireland are quality but my gut says not only the Bok power but also the pace in the backs will be good enough. And yes kwagga can easily go in the backs if needed and the rest from a talent perspective can easily interchange.
Should be a great match. As an ab fan can only look on with envy at the quality of players in that Bok team.
He had a very average game against Romania and was a tad bit selfish.... CK can cover 15, Faf can cover 10, Reinach wing or 9. DW 12, 10 and running on as 15. Jesse a bit better on defense than Moodie at the moment. But he'll get there under Am's mentorship.
I also thought Moodie would be in for Arendse.
I think the selection is an error, not just because of the 7-1 split but where is Vermeulen? They will be without two major driving forces (alongside Marx) from their first choice pack and, possibly disrupting their whole ‘bomb squad’ tactic.
They will still be a tough, tough team to beat, but Ireland are capable.
Resting up for the quarters. He has started more times than anyone barring PSDT.
Its not disrupting it, its reinforcing it.
Fourie is just as potent at the breakdown as Marx is. The same might be said of Van Staden. Smith Definitely is.
There are now multiple fetchers in this team.
The 7 forward strengthens the "slow poison" tactic of the Boks.
There are backline players with multiple skill sets: Willemse, Kolbe, Reinarch.
The fact that Pollard has not been picked sends a message to the world: the Boks are not as reliant on individual players as some teams think they are.
The Boks strategy for the RWC 23 is built on depth, fitness and versatility.
The only thing I am concerned about is how will Fourie or Van Staden perform in a scrum against Ireland. And maybe the lineouts. Lets see.
The team that loses this game also loses the quarterfinal against FRANCE! Its a do or die situation
Glad to see you writing the All Blacks off.....
Go Ireland.
So psyched for this game my blood pressure is off the charts this week. Can’t wait to put on my Boks jersey and cheer the boys. Winner of this game wins the RWC. Or if the Boks lose, they’ll play them again in the final. Think the Boks will beat France and Ireland will shambok the ABs, so there’s a good chance they’ll play meet again in the final.
What people are forgetting is that Kwagga is faster than at least three of Irelands backline players - that's measured over a 100m - 11.4 he's faster than O' Connel, Sexton and Aki. He was the world's No 1 seven's player. Hey guys this could come unstuck - no question - Rassie rolls the dice. But he has a knowledge of rugby that is in another stratosphere. Let's see what happens. I will be the first to congratulate Ireland if they win - no excuses whatsoever. But this I know. The team that loses this game goes home in the quarters.
True, but I’d not fancy his chances playing against an international class outside back. Moreover, if he is forced to play out there, then it may also disrupt the balance of the pack they want to bring on later in the game.
Boks will have 12 days off before 1/4s, Irish only 6 days after they play Scotland - which is surely going to be another tough one
I love Kwagga but straight line speed and experienced backline play are 2 distinct things. I believe he'd be very exposed in the centers; which is where SA are in trouble if someone goes down. I suppose they figure Damian covers there, Kolbe goes to fullback and Cobus comes on...
Humbly, I don’t think so. Think the Boks and Ireland will win in the QFs, facing either ABs or France. My preference would be for the Boks to play France. It’s a tough call to beat the ABs back to back, it’s a pride thing, so would prefer they play France and maybe show them different plays. Think it’s gonna be a tough game against Ireland. The key to winning is keeping that scoreboard ticking and nailing all the kicks, deny Ireland possession and keep them pinned close to their own 22 which is a tall order against Ireland. Winner of this game wins the RWC.
Who's O'Connell?
I love this team I didn’t at first as I didn’t see Willie Le roux or Thor in the line up but apon closer inspection the players chosen are breakdown specialists.. I’ve counted 4 world class recognised poachers and another 2 up coming poachers in that 23, this is yet more inovation from the brains trust, since when has a side ever had 6 poachers in a match day 23. It’s widely accepted the best way to beat this Ireland team is to starve them from fast ruck ball they average 3 seconds per match. What if you picked a team of poachers ? That ruckspeed is going to double or be a mess. Well done boks a smart choice and clearly this team has been in design for a while now. Boks by 9
Totally agree. My concern is if the Boks can bully Ireland at the breakdown and shut down their set pieces and quick ball out the rucks. Secondary concern is any injury to the back line will compromise the game plan. Look forward to see what Rassie’s diabolical plan looks like next.
This bench gamble is going to blow up sooner than later. Bad luck comes in threes… Marx, Koch, so who’s next?
SALTY KIWI?
Beats me why these Zombies put backs in at all. they should just put a line of props out and try to stampede mindlessly up the field.
It would stop them getting confused having to deal with the ball at the same time as trying to maim then opposition.
Go saffer trogs, nobody like you anyway.
We'll find out soon won't we. And please be assured that your approbation means less to me than a used French letter.
Would you like salt with that?
The jealousy is beaming from you aura mate. I'm sorry your team doesn't contain the depth or power to do the same.
another pissing anti Boks supporter. Troll go whine in a ditch will ya
🤣🤣🤣 Shame
We are not in for the Miss Congeniality title. We leave that up to you with all our approbation and compliments. Go Chris! I'm sure you've got a huge online following as an influencer. I'm a big fan Chris. You are hugely entertaining. And I mean that sincerely.
The only zombie here is you, no class no rugby knowledge whatsoever and more importantly the most boring name on the planet !
Hilarious. You woke up and your coffee was cold ?
It's a little like including a salad at a braai. You really just come for the ribs and wors but include a salad for the sake of appearances. It's an interesting exercise in risk vs reward tactics. (The 7-1 split, not the salad) Genius if it works, questionable if it doesn't.
Icarus
Trying to curse him?
Someone should check on poor dear Mattie Williams, and measure his blood pressure.
Why take such an unnecessary risk? Because it seemed to work against an ABs who hadn't played for a month. Who weren't all there. With this move Ireland will oustmart Boks. Also, what if two backs get injured early ...
Will they now?
Don't fear when Kwagga is near...
Ireland can try to outsmart Rassie, but as the great Mike Tyson said, everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth.
Oh No! Matt Williams will NOT like this!
Rassie is so cruel! Will somebody please think of the Matt Williams!
Nuke squad! 😆
Boom!
Might have worked with an incompetent ref against 14 but let’s see how they go if Carling isn’t gifting penalties when lineout jumpers are held in the air well after the ball is received and pushed across the line to milk penalties and cards.
You’re better than this Bokke.
I was going to say something profound about not being able to win an argument with some one who has already made up their mind but I think I'll just go and get a beer instead.
Refs are a factor in every game. What’s more important is adjusting. That NZ got blown for the same thing multiple times - says more about them than the ref.
The interesting thing is that by the end of that game the ref just about gave up blowing for the early shove in the lineouts. The ABs persisted with it up to the end of the game!
Sport is entertainment and I’m finding this very entertaining .
Cracking selection, only players missing for the full Bok "A" team are Marx and Vermeulen....Boks need to fire from the start, crush the scrums, stifle the Irish backs and get a few early tries, then bring on the bomb squad to complete the demolition.....also need to ensure as few errors as possible keep Ireland from staying in the game with penalties. Pity we cant see Moodie play again, he brings such electricity to our backline.
Oh Yeah, Baby ... who let the dogs out? Hoo Hah! Accidental late change for the AB game, eh? An experiment that proved to be 'record-breakingly' successful. Erratic WLR off the pitch ... Fresh Packs (yes, plural) ... and the Irish have not yet had a hard game so they may be a little 'underdone' for this one. Boks by seven or more.