OPINION: Springboks' fullback options

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: In the wake of Willie Le Roux’s release to Wasps, the Springboks have been left with a huge void to fill.

The fullback’s international career has been revived by the arrival of Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus.

Le Roux was recalled for the Test series win over England in June, following an outstanding campaign for Wasps.

Le Roux has featured in all the Rugby Championship fixtures thus far, and have played an impressive role during the Springboks iconic 36-34 win over the All Blacks last weekend.

However, Le Roux’s s involvement in the Rugby Championship has been cut short due to the deal between the Springboks and Wasps, which state that he will play just three Rugby Championship matches and one Test in November this year.

Le Roux’s departure is a huge blow for the Springboks, who still have two fixtures – against Australia and New Zealand in South Africa.

Nonetheless, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus always knew this was coming, but whether there are suitable replacements is the big question.

For starters, the coach always had the plan to utilize Stormers No.10 Damian Willemse as an alternative to Le Roux.

But Cheslin Kolbe’s presence in the side, the question of who should don the No.15 jersey for the fixtures against Australia and New Zealand becomes more intriguing.

Thus far, Willemse has only made two appearances from the bench during the Rugby Championship matches against Argentina (Durban and Mendoza).

And has never been used as a Springbok fullback. Instead, he replaced Andre Esterhuizen in the 63rd minutes on both occasions, with Handre Pollard shifting across to inside centre to accommodate the newbie at flyhalf.

Willemse’s, preferred position has always been flyhalf, but with Pollard’s latest – nearly perfect – match performance against the All Blacks and Erasmus seeking consistency at No.10 ahead of the World Cup in 2019, the option will be to keep Pollard at flyhalf, while Willemse slot into the No.15 for the rest of Rugby Championship series.

Willemse’s attacking prowess and ability to punt the ball long distant are also amazing attributes for the position of fullback.

Another option will be to hand Cheslin Kolbe the fullback jersey.

Labelled ‘too small’ to be a Bok, the 24-year-old has proven he has the prowess to compete against any opposition. His skills and vision, evident at the Top 14 side Toulouse, resulted in a call-up to the Springboks squad… finally.

Kolbe, who plays fullback at Toulouse, has also made two appearances form the bench for the Boks. However, similar to Willemse, the former Stormers’ speedster was used as a wing.

Unlike Willemse, Kolbe recorded a more impressive display in his two appearances.

During Springboks’ win over the All Blacks, Kolbe, who came on as wing at half-time, showed just how lethal he can be. Within one minute of being on the field, the former BlitzBok intercepted a pass and raced through empty acres to score his first try in the Springbok jersey.

Kolbe, may not be as experienced as Le Roux at Test level, but with him being a regular No.15 at his club for the last two seasons, could be a more suitable replacement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ydBYF4MsJo

Looking outside the Springboks camp, Erasmus could call-up Lions fullback Andries Coetzee. The 28-year-old has made 13 Test caps all of them in 2017 under the Allister Coetzee’s reign. However, with the introduction of Erasmus, the fullback has fallen by the wayside and has struggled to retain the No.15 jersey.

While Stormers utility back Dillyn Leyds could also be an option at fullback for the Boks.

Leyds’ versatility makes it easy to disregard him as a fullback option, especially with former Springbok coach Coetzee using the 26-year-old at right wing during last year’s June and November Test series and with Western Province constant decision to use him at wing during the Currie Cup campaign.

However, whatever the reason if for Leyds’ omission, Le Roux’s exit could be a perfect chance to hand the versatile back an opportunity to prove himself.

Curwin Bosch is also a youngster worth mentioning. The Sharks fullback’s defence may raise a few eyebrows, but it is very difficult to overlook his performance in the No.15 jersey.

Whoever dons the fullback jersey for the upcoming fixtures against Australia and New Zealand, one thing is certain Erasmus needs to start grooming Le Roux’s replacement ahead of the next year’s World Cup.

The mentor needs to make sure the fullback gets enough game time and become accustomed to the set-up.

The Springboks can’t found themselves at next year’s World Cup with similar questions.

By Leezil Hendricks
@Leezil07
@rugby365com