South Africa – Regardless of what Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber may claim, the No. 10 dilemma has now surfaced, exposing the Boks’ vulnerability in that position.
When it was announced during the squad announcement that Handre Pollard and Elton Jantjies would not play in this week’s second Rugby Championship encounter against the Wallabies on Saturday (11.30am start), Nienaber’s hand was pressed.
Strangely, given that neither Pollard nor Jantjies have been in especially strong form this year, this may be a benefit for the under-pressure Boks. While Jantjies has not had enough playing experience or match preparation this year, Pollard had a nightmare of a time in the Australians’ defeat this past weekend.
Damian Willemse goes up to don the No. 10 jumper for the match this weekend, and he will team up with Jaden Hendrikse at halfback in the starting XV. Willemse has made several appearances at No. 10, but not enough to be certain that he will dominate that channel.
In reference to the 25-17 loss against the Wallabies, Nienaber commented, “Unfortunately, we lost two flyhalves in one game.”
“It’s bad for the two individuals who were hurt, but lucky for Damian. He participated for us at flyhalf in the second half of the first Welsh Test match this year in Pretoria.
We anticipate seeing him in that position once again as well as the pairing with Willie (le Roux).”
Le Roux, 33, will be welcomed back at fullback, which will satisfy many analysts and fans. Le Roux has often served as the first receiver in the Springbok attack this season, offering another dimension when the Boks are on the offensive.
If the Boks are to regain their winning momentum, Nienaber’s handling of Willemse this weekend will be a crucial aspect of the game.
Hendrikse, on the other hand, provided some insight into his evolving connection with his No. 10 partner, providing a brief glimpse into the potential future of the Bok team beyond 2023.
Hendrikse said, “With me and (Willemse), it is about developing a strong friendship and comprehending one other over the week.
“It’s just us hanging out and talking rugby while getting to know one other. The primary issue between me and him is that. We must be on the same page and understand what to do in each circumstance.
Faf de Klerk has also atoned for his transgressions from last Saturday’s defeat by being entirely removed from the squad. Cobus Reinach, who has just recovered from an injury, will watch from the sidelines as backup.
Since the 32-year-old hasn’t played rugby in a while, Nienaber is again taking a chance on a player who may not be ready for a Test match. The coach didn’t waver in his conviction, however.
Nienaber noted, “We have several good No. 9s in the team.”
“I believe that the lack of club rugby at the present is a problem that many nations have experienced. Many of the national teams competing in the Rugby Championship right now, who sustain injuries or welcome back injured players, wouldn’t have played much rugby.
“Cobus has been fantastic for us, so we put him through training. He has a lot of it when he performs, so I would want to see him bring it.