The moment of truth has arrived for the Springboks as they finally get their Rugby World Cup title defence underway with a tricky encounter against Scotland in their Pool B opener this afternoon (5:45pm SA Time) in Marseille.
The Boks, who lifted the Webb Ellis trophy for a record-equalling third time in Yokohama, Japan, four years ago, will hope that this will again be their year as they look to hang on to their crown in France.
They come into the tournament brimming with confidence after a solid showing in the warm up matches, including a statement win over rivals and fellow favourites New Zealand.
The Boks thumped the All Blacks 35-7 at a packed Twickenham Stadium two weeks ago in their final warm up match, inflicting the heaviest defeat in their rivals’ illustrious rugby history.
Jacques Nienaber’s side will need to produce similar performances if it is to progress from its tough pool, which includes Six Nations Grand Slam winners Ireland, currently ranked as the best side in the world, as well as Romania and Tonga.
The remarkable recovery of inspirational skipper Siya Kolisi will undoubtedly be a massive boost for Nienaber’s charges heading into the tournament, with his leadership key to the team’s success in France.
Nienaber has made four changes to the side that dismantled the All Blacks with Cheslin Kolbe back on the wing at the expense of Makazole Mapimpi, who surprisingly isn’t even named among the replacements.
Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel are back in the team to replace Andre Esterhuizen and the injured Canan Moodie, while the impressive Jasper Wiese has done enough to wrestle the No 8 jersey away from Duane Vermeulen, who is on the bench alongside full back Willie le Roux.
Nienaber has opted to go with the familiar six-two split on the replacements bench with the likes of Trevor Nyakane, Ox Nche (both props), Bongi Mbonambi (hooker), Rudolph Snyman (lock), Marco van Staden (flanker) and Duane Vermeulen named as the impact forwards.
Nyakane, who suffered a tournament-ending injury in the 2019 showpiece after tearing a calf muscle in the opening game against New Zealand, is raring to go as he looks to make an impact this time around in what will be his third world cup overall. “It was sad for me when I got injured and had to leave (Japan),” Nyakane told SA Rugby.
“I am blessed and fortunate to have this opportunity again. I can’t wait to get out there and showcase what we are capable of.”
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