Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has been compelled to adjust his game plan for the second Rugby Championship test match against Australia in Cape Town this Saturday. The last-minute withdrawal of veteran player Willie le Roux due to an injury has put a spanner in the works for an already under-pressure team.
Le Roux made headlines earlier this season by becoming the eighth South African player to achieve the milestone of 100 Test appearances. However, he picked up a niggling injury during training earlier this week, failing to recover in time to take to the field against the Wallabies. This unexpected setback prompted Erasmus to make a swift decision, reinstating Aphelele Fassi in the starting lineup.
Fassi had previously started against Australia last week in Johannesburg, where the Springboks suffered a disappointing 38-22 defeat. With aspirations of regaining their footing in the championship, this match in Cape Town is crucial. The players will be keen to turn the tide and demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity.
The updated Springboks team, which will take to the field on Saturday, includes a blend of seasoned warriors and emerging talents. The starting lineup is as follows:
- 15 – Aphelele Fassi
- 14 – Canan Moodie
- 13 – Jesse Kriel (captain)
- 12 – Damian de Allende
- 11 – Cheslin Kolbe
- 10 – Handre Pollard
- 9 – Grant Williams
- 8 – Jean-Luc du Preez
- 7 – Franco Mostert
- 6 – Marco van Staden
- 5 – Ruan Nortje
- 4 – RG Snyman
- 3 – Thomas du Toit
- 2 – Malcolm Marx
- 1 – Ox Nche
The bench will feature the likes of Marnus van der Merwe, Boan Venter, Wilco Louw, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, the Springboks face not only Australia but also the pressure to deliver a performance that will restore their fan’s faith after last week’s defeat. Both the team and their supporters will be hoping that Fassi’s energetic play can spark a much-needed turnaround.