Moerat and Louw in line for Springbok debuts

Bok coach Jacques Nienaber has opted for a settled squad as they target a strong start to the season.

Moerat, who was a member of the Springbok touring squad for last season’s UK tour, and Louw have been  stand-out performers for the Stormers and the Bulls respectively in the United Rugby Championship this season.

Damian Willemse will start at fullback and Elton Jantjies at flyhalf in a backline featuring several familiar faces, in wings Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe, centres Lukhanyo Am and Damian de Allende, and scrumhalf Faf de Klerk.

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In the front row, Frans Malherbe and Ox Nché will pack down on either side of Bongi Mbonambi (hooker), Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager will join forces at lock, and Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will form a loose trio with Franco Mostert and Jasper Wiese. Am will serve as vice-captain for the match.

Nienaber has opted for a six-two split on the replacements bench, with Herschel Jantjies (scrumhalf) and veteran fullback Willie le Roux providing cover among the backs, while the forwards comprise the impactful front row of Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff and Vincent Koch, Moerat, Louw and versatile loose forward Kwagga Smith.

“We have a talented group of players, and we believe the matchday squad we selected ticks the boxes in terms of what we would like to achieve in the opening Test against Wales,” said Nienaber.

“We have the added advantage of having several players that are quite versatile, so a guy like Damian Willemse for example can cover flyhalf and centre in addition to fullback, while Kwagga covers each of the loose forward positions and can even slot in at wing with his Blitzbok experience.

“Franco also gives us options at loose forward and lock, so we look forward to seeing what this team can produce on Saturday.”

Springbok team to face Wales in Pretoria:

15 – Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers) – 15 caps, 5pts (1t)

14 – Cheslin Kolbe (Toulon) – 18 caps, 45pts (9t)

13 – Lukhanyo Am (Cell C Sharks) – 26 caps, 25 pts (5t)

12 – Damian de Allende (Munster) – 58 caps, 35 pts (7t)

11 – Makazole Mapimpi (Cell C Sharks) – 25 caps, 100 pts (20t)

10 – Elton Jantjies (NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes) – 44 caps, 326 pts (2t, 65c, 61p, 1d)

9 – Faf de Klerk (Yokohama Canon Eagles) – 36 caps, 25pts (5t)

8 – Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers) – 11 caps, 0 pts

7 – Franco Mostert (Honda Heat) – 51 caps, 5pts (1t)

6 – Siya Kolisi (captain, Cell C Sharks) – 63 caps, 30 pts (6t)

5 – Lood de Jager (Panasonic Wild Knights) – 56 caps, 25 pts (5t)

4 – Eben Etzebeth (Cell C Sharks) – 97 caps, 15 pts (3t)

3 – Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers) – 46 caps, 5pts (1t)

2 – Bongi Mbonambi (Cell C Sharks) – 48 caps, 45 pts (9t)

1 – Ox Nché (Cell C Sharks) – 9 caps, 0pts

Replacements:

16 – Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 46 caps, 50 pts (10t)

17 – Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers) – 59 caps, 5pts (1t)

18 – Vincent Koch (Wasps) – 31 caps, 0 pts

19 – Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers) – uncapped

20 – Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – uncapped

21 – Kwagga Smith (Yamaha Júbilo) – 19 caps, 5 pts (1t)

22 – Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers) – 21 caps, 25pts (5t)

23 – Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz) – 72 caps, 60 pts (12t)