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Probable Bok Starting XV
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<blockquote data-quote="George Ford" data-source="post: 809981" data-attributes="member: 74118"><p>With Willie & JP out of contention now, it does cut a lot of experience away from our potential backline and essentially give it a new look. But this is what can be expected and I think the backline combinations would be the least of AC's selection headaches come RC.</p><p></p><p>Adriaan Strauss is a good player and leader, but he is no John Smit. Malcolm Marx is by far the incumbent hooker for that Bok nr. 2 jersey. AC must not quibble on that.</p><p>Then he should appoint Warren Whiteley as the new captain. This does implicate Duane Vermeulen's position in the team - and as much as I am a huge fan - I feel Whiteley should resume the position he has excelled in. Also, it was strikingly evident how Duane was off the pace in the June tests, and then Whiteley replaces him to then help inspire a come from behind series victory with his try.</p><p></p><p>And while in the frame of disregarding foreign based players, if it were not for injuries to the likes of Siya Kolisi & Marcel Coetzee - Francois Louw's spot would have been axed too, because Jaco Kriel's name should be 1st on the teamsheet.</p><p></p><p>Beast Mtawarira may be our most experienced Bok, but I think his prime is passed. Vincent Koch's hunger for playing should put him in pole position (nr.1) - Imagine how strong and stable our front row will be with Marx and Redelinghuys alongside him. Add in Kitsoff as backup (apparently he might be making his way back to SA?).</p><p></p><p>Etzebeth & PSDT should continue doing duty. Mostert can be rewarded with another call-up to the side. With Lood De Jager we have riches in locks.</p><p></p><p>No question on the halfback pairing to be coming from the Lions, and admittedly even the midfield. But I wouldn't take Damian De Allende out of the equation perhaps as yet. Rohan Janse van Rensburg will be in the Boks setup though no doubt.</p><p></p><p>The back 3 will be a completely new look compared to prior years with Combrink looking likely to be the only survivor since the last test. With Lambie still not training, makes it almost a definite for Jesse Kriel to be the starter at fullback, which leaves 1 wing position open and also where the likes of JP Pietersen will sorely be missed.</p><p></p><p>Courtnail Skosan is having a great season, but I think he is benefiting more from the type of rugby his franchise is playing and really as a player he is nothing short of special to what a 7s player can contribute in the 15 man game or to what the average winger SA produces (Seabelo Senatla, Sergeal Peterson). I feel here is where Bryan Habana can add value and contrary to popular belief, I think he still has some gas to burn.</p><p></p><p>I guess a lot will also depend on the kind of performance the Lions puts out on Saturday in terms of swinging those 50/50 selections, but for the most part the Bok jersey should be come 1st and the local players should have 1st dibs.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="George Ford, post: 809981, member: 74118"] With Willie & JP out of contention now, it does cut a lot of experience away from our potential backline and essentially give it a new look. But this is what can be expected and I think the backline combinations would be the least of AC's selection headaches come RC. Adriaan Strauss is a good player and leader, but he is no John Smit. Malcolm Marx is by far the incumbent hooker for that Bok nr. 2 jersey. AC must not quibble on that. Then he should appoint Warren Whiteley as the new captain. This does implicate Duane Vermeulen's position in the team - and as much as I am a huge fan - I feel Whiteley should resume the position he has excelled in. Also, it was strikingly evident how Duane was off the pace in the June tests, and then Whiteley replaces him to then help inspire a come from behind series victory with his try. And while in the frame of disregarding foreign based players, if it were not for injuries to the likes of Siya Kolisi & Marcel Coetzee - Francois Louw's spot would have been axed too, because Jaco Kriel's name should be 1st on the teamsheet. Beast Mtawarira may be our most experienced Bok, but I think his prime is passed. Vincent Koch's hunger for playing should put him in pole position (nr.1) - Imagine how strong and stable our front row will be with Marx and Redelinghuys alongside him. Add in Kitsoff as backup (apparently he might be making his way back to SA?). Etzebeth & PSDT should continue doing duty. Mostert can be rewarded with another call-up to the side. With Lood De Jager we have riches in locks. No question on the halfback pairing to be coming from the Lions, and admittedly even the midfield. But I wouldn't take Damian De Allende out of the equation perhaps as yet. Rohan Janse van Rensburg will be in the Boks setup though no doubt. The back 3 will be a completely new look compared to prior years with Combrink looking likely to be the only survivor since the last test. With Lambie still not training, makes it almost a definite for Jesse Kriel to be the starter at fullback, which leaves 1 wing position open and also where the likes of JP Pietersen will sorely be missed. Courtnail Skosan is having a great season, but I think he is benefiting more from the type of rugby his franchise is playing and really as a player he is nothing short of special to what a 7s player can contribute in the 15 man game or to what the average winger SA produces (Seabelo Senatla, Sergeal Peterson). I feel here is where Bryan Habana can add value and contrary to popular belief, I think he still has some gas to burn. I guess a lot will also depend on the kind of performance the Lions puts out on Saturday in terms of swinging those 50/50 selections, but for the most part the Bok jersey should be come 1st and the local players should have 1st dibs. [/QUOTE]
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