Nienaber names four scrumhalves in Springbok squad to face Romania

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber named all four scrumhalves in the Springbok squad in the match-23 to face Romania in Bordeaux on Sunday as he spread the playing load for the team’s second pool B clash.

Bongi Mbonambi will lead the team.

Cobus Reinach will start at scrumhalf, with Jaden Hendrikse providing cover off the replacements’ bench, while Grant Williams shows his versatility by starting on the right wing. Faf de Klerk will provide flyhalf cover from the bench in a split of five forwards and three backs.

The only player in the starting XV who continues in the run-on team from last week’s 18-3 victory over Scotland in Marseille is utility back Damian Willemse, who switches from fullback to flyhalf.

“People were surprised when we picked four scrumhalves in the squad but we knew they offered us the skills and versatility to provide backline options to manage the challenges that tournament rugby gives you,” Nienaber said.

“They are all excellent scrumhalves, but Grant and Cobus can play wing and Faf has experience at No 10 — as do Cheslin [Kolbe] and Willie [le Roux ]. We have the same versatility among our forwards.

“Grant played school rugby on the wing, and he has come on at wing before for us, so we are excited to give him this opportunity to start there and for him to gain international experience in the position.

“Faf is also one of our back up flyhalves in the squad, and the same applies to him, as it will be valuable for him and the team to get some game time in the position.

“We have been rotating and testing players in different positions since last season to put us in the fortunate position to have a group of 33 players in France who are closely-matched in terms of their quality of play and skills, and who have been pushing one another for places in the last few months. It has allowed us to select a top-quality team for this match.”

The 14 other personnel changes in the starting team, see Canan Moodie (centre) and Jean Kleyn (lock) return after not being available for selection because of injury in game one. Moodie resumes his Twickenham midfield partnership with the hard-running André Esterhuizen, while Kleyn partners Marvin Orie in the engine room.

The experienced Willie le Roux jumps from the bench to the starting line-up at fullback, while Makazole Mapimpi will accompany Williams on the wing.

Nienaber also named a quality forward pack with Ox Nche, Vincent Koch (both props) and Bongi Mbonambi (hooker) joining forces in the front row, and Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith (both flankers) and Duane Vermeulen (No 8) forming a new loose trio.

Deon Fourie will serve as the backup hooker on the bench, alongside a quality set of forwards in Steven Kitshoff, Trevor Nyakane (both props), RG Snyman (lock) and Jasper Wiese (No 8), while Jesse Kriel (centre) is the third back.

“This squad includes several Rugby World Cup winners and some of the best young talent in the country and we are excited to see what they can do,” Nienaber said.

“Player management is vital as every game in the World Cup is essentially a play-off game, and it is important that our squad remains sharp and match fit throughout the competition.”

Nienaber expects Romania, who were routed 82-8 in their opening game against Ireland, to show real fight at Stade de Bordeaux.

“They are a patriotic team and they will be playing for their country. It is a huge opportunity for them to play against us because such occasions are very rare, so they will give everything.

“They scored the first try in their opening match against Ireland, they showed real skill in a number of areas of their game, and they fought throughout the match, so we know what we are in for.

“Obviously from our perspective it is important to build momentum in our campaign and this match plays a vital role in our plans for the tournament.”

The Springboks will have their last training session in Toulon on Thursday before settling in at their base in Bordeaux for Sunday’s the match.

The match kicks off at 3pm on Sunday.

Springbok team to face Romania:

15 — Willie le Roux (Bulls) — 88 caps, 65 pts (13t)

14 — Grant Williams (Sharks) — 6 caps, 0 points

13 — Canan Moodie (Bulls) — 8 caps, 20 pts (4t)

12 — André Esterhuizen (Harlequins) — 14 caps, 0 pts

11 — Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks) — 39 caps, 115 pts (23t)

10 — Damian Willemse (Stormers) — 34 caps, 41 pts (3t, 4c, 4pg, 2dg)

9 — Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) — 27 caps, 45 pts (9t)

8 — Duane Vermeulen (SA Rugby) — 71 caps, 15 pts (3t)

7 — Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) — 34 caps, 30 pts (6t)

6 — Marco van Staden (Bulls) — 15 caps, 0 points

5 — Marvin Orie (Stormers) — 14 caps, 0 pts

4 — Jean Kleyn (Munster) — 4 caps, 0 pts (Ireland 5 caps)

3 — Vincent Koch (Sharks) — 46 caps, 0 pts

2 — Bongi Mbonambi (captain, Sharks) — 63 caps, 65 points (13t)

1 — Ox Nche (Sharks) — 22 caps, 0 points

Replacements:

16 — Deon Fourie (Stormers) — 7 caps, 0 pts

17 — Steven Kitshoff (Ulster) — 77 caps, 10 points (2t)

18 — Trevor Nyakane (Racing 92) — 63 caps, 5 points (1t)

19 — RG Snyman (Munster) — 29 caps, 5 points (1t)

20 — Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers) — 24 caps, 5 points (1t)

21 — Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks) — 13 caps, 12 pts (2t, 1c)

22 — Faf de Klerk (Eagles) — 50 caps, 46 points (5t, 3c, 5pg)

23 — Jesse Kriel (Eagles) — 63 caps, 70 points (14t)

SA Rugby