SA-based Boks to face England
SPOTLIGHT: SA Rugby is reportedly set to reward South African-based players during the Springboks end-of-year tour.
According to the Rapport, Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber will only consider locally-based players for the match against England at Twickenham on Saturday, November 26.
The fixture falls outside of World Rugby’s official Test window.
As a result, the Boks will likely be without their French and English-based squad members, unless prior arrangements can be arranged with their clubs.
Given that it falls outside of the international window, England boss Jones will also be unlikely to pick a first-team selection for the match himself.
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For Bok coach Nienaber, the likes of Eben Etzebeth, Duane Vermeulen, Cobus Reinach, Handré Pollard, Malcolm Marx, Joseph Dweba, Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Lood de Jager, Faf de Klerk, Franco Mostert, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Rynhardt Elstadt, Jean-Luc du Preez, Dan du Preez, Elton Jantjies, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Kwagga Smith, Jasper Wiese, Willie le Roux and Marco van Staden are all set to miss the game.
With the majority of the squad not up for selection, the Springboks could be forced to field local players earlier in 2022 as they will need time to gain experience before the Twickenham Test.
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According to Rapport, three other Tests in 2022 have been earmarked to prepare a team of South Africa-based players.
This could be the third Test of the June series against Wales, should the Springboks win the first two Tests to make the third a dead-rubber.
Then, the Rugby Championship Test against Argentina on August 24 and the Test against Italy a week before the Springboks face England, have also been circled in the calendar.
Despite the team predominantly comprising of local players, it won’t be less competitive, as Steven Kitshoff, Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe, Thomas du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Marvin Orie, Herschel Jantjies, Jaden Hendrikse, Makazole Mapimpi, Damian Willemse, Frans Steyn, Lukhanyo Am, S’bu Nkosi, Warrick Gelant and Aphelele Fassi could all be considered for selection, while youngsters like Johan Grobbelaar, Ruan Nortjé, Salmaan Moerat, Elrigh Louw, Evan Roos, Grant Williams and Jordan Hendrikse could also get a run.
Source: Rapport & Rugbypass
