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Three Springboks who could make the difference against the All Blacks - Read Rugby Union

Read Rugby Union · Jonny Black · 2026-08-22T10:47:40+00:00 · nguồn gốc

The Springboks welcome the All Blacks to Ellis Park in the first test of the Greatest Rivalry Tour. Rassie Erasmus has selected an experienced lineup, but here are three outside picks who could have a big impact on the game. Paul De Villiers De Villiers has the difficult job of replacing the injured Siya Kolisi. De Villiers had the same responsibility during the Rugby Nations Championship where he was one of the best players for the Springboks. The number six was a physical force during the three tests against the Northern Hemisphere sides. He was exceptional over the ball at ruck time, great in the tackle and prepared to make the hard yards in close-contact carries. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu SFM is by no means a surprise new kid on the block, but how he returns to the top test arena could be the difference between winning and losing. Just as he was hitting his peak form for the Stormers he got a season-ending injury. Rassie changed up his number 10 selections during the Nations Championship but has crucially come back to Feinberg-Mngomezulu at the first opportunity he could. SFM is a different style of 10 and likes to carry as well as distribute. His triple threat along with his kicking sets him apart from most modern 10s. Zachary Porthen Porthen is the next generation of Springbok prop and has been given the faith of Rassie in this game, who opted to leave Thomas du Toit out of the squad completely. The 22-year-old is still undefeated in test rugby and is a physical beast. This would be an opportunity to prove himself at top test level. We know the importance of the bomb squad to Rassie Erasmus, and having Porthen come on at the right time could help secure victory or turn the needle on the All Blacks when they need it.