Rugby
Pollard and De Klerk to start in Rugby World Cup final─── MORGAN PIEK 09:31 Thu, 26 Oct 2023
“This a huge day for the entire squad – and the guys who played for us earlier in the season.”
The Springboks have made two changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s big Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks in Paris.
In addition, the reigning World Champions will be unleashing their ‘nuke squad’ for the championship match, a tactic first used and to good effect, during the 35-7 victory over the All Blacks at Twickenham during the World Cup warm-up games.
The Springboks have opted to name the 2019 World Cup winning halfback combination of Handré Pollard and Faf de Klerk in the starting team, while Manie Libbok and Cobus Reinach drop out of the match-23 altogether.
The 7-1 split on the bench, it’s certainly a risky move as Willie le Roux is the only backline player on the bench.
Furthermore, Trevor Nyakane, replaces Vincent Koch on the bench, while the Munster lock, Jean Kleyn, has been named among the replacements. The big ball-carrier, Jasper Wiese, will also come on as a substitute.
The Springboks coach, Jacques Nienaber, said it’s a big occasion and they are well-prepared and ready.
“This a huge day for the entire squad – and the guys who played for us earlier in the season,” said Nienaber.
“As a coaching team we are proud of the contribution that every player in the larger squad made in getting us to the final to create this opportunity.
“We know we are in for a colossal battle. Every point and inch will count in this match and we know it will take another top-class effort to come out on top on Saturday.”
Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final between the Springboks and All Blacks at Stade de France in Paris kicks off at 21:00.
Springboks - 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements - 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Jean Kleyn, 20 RG Snyman, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Jasper Wiese, 23 Willie le Roux.
All Blacks - TBA
Morgan Piek OFM Sport
