The Springbok rugby brains trust will be looking at Saturday’s trial match with an eye on much more than just performance on the day.
According to Springbok captain Siya Kolisi the showdown will be all about who exhibits the character required to don the Green and Gold.
Springboks looking for warrriors
Kolisi said that the Springboks are looking for players who give their all and not necessarily flawless footballers.
“That is all we have spoken about this entire week. That is what you want to show as a Springbok, you can forget anything else. No talent required,” Kolisi said.
“Not being scared, putting your heart in there. When you show, don’t show pain and when you make a big hit, don’t make everyone see you push the guy on the floor.
“Just give it everything you can, just wear your heart on your sleeve at all times. Take pride in what you do. That is what we are looking for, what you can do off the ball and also your workrate.
“Everything basically that is not talent required is what we are looking for. We understand that mistakes will be made and that is ok.”
Seeing where we are at
Kolisi said that he is looking forward to seeing what South African rugby is producing when the nations best locally-based players meet in the Springbok Showdown.
“I think we have been speaking about it as a group, we want to show what we can do. The players who have been picked in the team and for us who have been here for a while to see where we are. We can keep on working to get better.
“It is a great opportunity for those who have never been here. For some players, it will be the closest they get to a test match. I’m looking forward to seeing what we have and I think we have a strong group playing here.”
Springbok showdown teams
Springbok Green:
15 – Gianni Lombard
14 – Yaw Penxe
13 – Wandisile Simelane
12 – Frans Steyn
11 – Malcolm Jaer
10 – Elton Jantjies
9 – Sanele Nohamba
8 – Duane Vermeulen
7 – Arno Botha
6 – Siya Kolisi (captain)
5 – Hyron Andrews
4 – JD Schickerling
3 – Luan de Bruin
2 – Bongi Mbonambi
1 – Ox Nche
Replacements:
16 – Schalk Erasmus
17 – Kwenzo Blose
18 – Thomas du Toit
19 – JJ van der Mescht
20 – Juarno Augustus
21 – Junior Pokomela
22 – Embrose Papier
23 – Manie Libbok
24 – Jeremy Ward
25 – Kade Wolhuter
Springbok Gold:
15 – Warrick Gelant
14 – Rosko Specman
13 – Lukhanyo Am (captain)
12 – Rikus Pretorius
11 – Courtnall Skosan
10 – Damian Willemse
9 – Herschel Jantjies
8 – Sikhumbuzo Notshe
7 – Nizaam Carr
6 – Marco van Staden
5 – Marvin Orie
4 – Salmaan Moerat
3 – Ruan Dreyer
2 – Scarra Ntubeni
1 – Steven Kitshoff
Replacements:
16 – Dylan Richardson
17 – Dylan Smith
18 – Carlü Sadie
19 – Jason Jenkins
20 – James Venter
21 – Vincent Tshituka
22 – Ivan van Zyl
23 – Curwin Bosch
24 – Werner Kok
25 – Manuel Rass
