When it comes to selecting a Springbok team these days, there is little to choose between the supposed first choices and second choices. But at the moment, coach Rassie Erasmus is not dealing with a Rugby World Cup final.
Instead, it is about building for the 2027 edition in Australia, and exposing a wide array of players to the utmost pressure so that they are fully prepared for any eventuality.
That is why Erasmus has been confident about chopping and changing his team almost every game since the second Test against Ireland in Durban, where he opted to keep almost the same group intact.
That is not necessarily the reason they lost 25-24 at Kings Park, as you have to give Irish replacement Ciaran Frawley real credit for two excellent drop goals. But there is no doubt that the Bok forwards, in particular, lacked some bite in the series decider.
Whether by coincidence or design, the South Africans have changed their team drastically for subsequent games against Portugal, Australia (twice) and New Zealand.
So, why change a winning recipe? That is what makes Erasmus’ task so difficult for Saturday’s showdown with the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium (5pm start).
Should he mainly stick with the starting team from last week’s 31-27 victory at Ellis Park, reward the bench for their rearguard action in snatching a late victory, or pick an altogether fresh 23?
The answer probably lies somewhere in the middle of those scenarios, and there are so many options available that each member of the Bok management would most likely come up with a different combination.
So, there is no exact science for the unfolding process of growing experience and depth in the Bok squad, but at the core of it is ensuring that the Boks front up physically once more, and that a few new players and combinations receive game time to prove themselves.
Will we see more of the same in Cape Town this weekend? 🤩#Springboks#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/K6CRkfTBNy
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is arguably the most curious case right now. He was initially a replacement, first at flyhalf and then at fullback, while also being known for his prowess at inside centre.
The Stormers youngster shone in the No 10 jersey over the past few Tests, and Erasmus said it would be “stupid” to take that responsibility away from him at this stage. But considering the continued absence of the injured Damian Willemse, it might be worth giving him a start at fullback this week, and returning the experienced Handré Pollard to flyhalf.
Aphelele Fassi has taken his opportunity in recent games, and now we need to see Feinberg-Mngomezulu under the high ball and sparking counter-attacks against the Kiwis.
Pollard could do with a start as well, and the expected heavy pitch at Cape Town Stadium due to all the winter rain could see his kicking game at the posts and in general play be handy for the Boks.
Lukhanyo Am and André Esterhuizen haven’t played much this year and need game time in midfield, despite the sterling efforts of Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel.
The same applies to Canan Moodie, who can replace the injured Kurt-Lee Arendse at wing, while Grant Williams can make a real difference to the Bok attack at scrumhalf.
The #Springboks are focused on Saturday, but let's relive the wonderful occasion in Joburg one last time 😍#Springboks#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/5cdBY5HgDe
Jasper Wiese should be retained at No 8 as he has missed six Tests due to suspension, but should Pieter-Steph du Toit get a breather? Perhaps, as Elrigh Louw would relish a start, but Du Toit’s versatility and overall contribution makes him hard to leave out.
Scrum coach Daan Human mentioned this week that Steven Kitshoff and Salmaan Moerat are ready to play and will be considered for selection, and the fact that it’s a home Test may see them be involved too.
And how about a seven-one bench split in favour of the forwards? That’s what worked in the World Cup final and at Twickenham against the All Blacks last year ...
Possible Springbok starting XV: 15 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (capt)/Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff; Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Ben-Jason Dixon, 22 Elrigh Louw, 23 Willie le Roux