Ten years after South Africa suffered one of rugby’s biggest shocks, losing to Japan at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in Brighton, the Springboks are preparing to face the same opponents at Wembley Stadium this Saturday with a full-strength and highly accomplished squad.
Coach Rassie Erasmus is leaving nothing to chance, selecting a match-day 23 designed to counter Japan’s pace and unpredictability. Double World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe will start at fullback, joined by speedsters Ethan Hooker and Kurt-lee Arendse, returning from injury. Arendse emphasized his excitement to play alongside Kolbe, noting that fullback is a familiar position for him.
The Boks remain wary of Japan’s surprises, recalling the historic upset in Brighton and Australia’s narrow 19-15 win in Tokyo last week. Japan, coached by Eddie Jones, continues to be a formidable opponent. Erasmus spoke highly of Jones, acknowledging their mutual respect and teasing a celebratory bottle of South African wine for a victorious outcome.
Three Springboks—Siya Kolisi, captaining his 99th test match, Jesse Kriel, and Lood De Jager—were part of the team that lost in 2015, adding extra motivation for this weekend’s showdown.