The Springboks have suffered a major blow ahead of the international season, with Damien Willemse set to miss July’s Tests and the Rugby Championship.
According to reports in South Africa, he injured a ligament in his finger and will be out for up to four months, but will be back in time for the international tournament in November.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at the options Rassie Erasmus has at his disposal in the fullback position.
Willemse is known to be a versatile player who played fly-half and full-back for the Springboks last year, but was primarily used at full-back, starting every match in the World Cup finals in this position.
Much will also depend on what new attack coach Tony Brown looks for in the full-back position, and the styles and approaches of the players chosen for the role will vary, but there are plenty of candidates vying for the role.
front runner
There are opportunities for uncapped players to comfortably play international rugby against Wales and Portugal, but Erasmus is unlikely to field an inexperienced full-back against Ireland.
In other words, willie le roux With his Springbok caps approaching 100, he is likely to be first in line for the first two Test matches in South Africa. The veteran full-back may have lost his starting spot to Willemse last year, but he is still incredibly well-received by both the staff and the players alike. Still, he’s put in the work on the field and transformed the Bulls’ offense this season. He won’t disappoint Box in the two Test matches.
Unless it’s Le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe Kolbi will also be at the forefront of coaches’ selection for the fullback position. Kolbi has played regularly as a full-back throughout his career with the Stormers, Toulouse and Toulon, but he only started one Test match against Ireland for the Boks in 2022.
The Springboks also have handy wing options, so moving Kolbe to fullback is certainly an option, unless new defence coach Gerry Flannery insists his sharp defensive attributes would be wasted at No. 15 jumper.
Former Lions manager Warren Gatland reflects on unpleasant 2021 tour and criticizes Springboks’ ‘win at all costs’ approach
mixed with
Versatility is highly valued at Erasmus’ side, and there is a good chance that the following two options will start for the Springboks, even if they are not full-backs.
Kurt Lee Arense He has filled the role for the Bulls when Le Roux has been absent or rested and has moved into the position during games for the Boks. He has been in excellent form for the Bulls this season and is a sure bet for selection for the series against Ireland and is a likely no.15 jumper, but if he doesn’t start there he should fill in on the wing.
His teammates are in a similar position. Canaan Moody He could be asked to step into the fullback role he played for the Bulls in the past. He is tipped to have a future in the center and potentially on the wing with the Springboks, but his aerial ability and counter-attacking threat make him a useful option at number 15.
with a fringe
The Springbok sympathizers agree with Erasmus’s thinking. Aphelele Fassi The recent addition could see the returning Sharks earn his first cap since 2022.
He was an outstanding player despite the Durban-based team’s lackluster performance at URC and was the driving force behind their run to the Challenge Cup final. His form warrants a recall, and if he starts against Wales at Twickenham, he could potentially start again when he returns to South Africa to face Ireland.
However, Fassi will have tough competition from the alignment camp participants. Quan HornThe Lions’ No. 15 has always impressed since making his debut in the team, but this season has arguably been his best and caught the eye of the selection committee. His style of play is similar to Ireland’s Hugo Keenan, making him a fairly unique option for Erasmus. His blistering speed makes him a counter-attacking threat, but he also responds well to high balls and is a good kicker. At 22, he still has time to develop, so don’t be surprised if he makes the squad in 2024, even if he doesn’t feature against Ireland.
‘I never thought I’d be in the World Cup’ – Grant Williams’ unique path to Springbok glory
outside bet
As with many positions in the Springbok squad, the depth is deep and the 11 Tests will highlight that. Warwick Geraint He is not seen as a top candidate.
The 2019 World Cup winner fell out of favor with the team after his move to France, and staying in the top 14 in Racing 92 did not go well for him either.
He has rediscovered his fine form on his return to the Stormers but played second fiddle to Willemse when the latter wasn’t plugging injury holes in the centre of John Dobson’s side, and yet a recall would not come as much of a surprise.
Staying with the Stormers Sasha Feinberg-Mgomezulu He is likely to make the Springbok squad in 2024, but an unfortunate injury has limited his chances of starting against Ireland. In terms of a comparable successor to Willemse, Feinberg-Mngomezulu ticks all the boxes except experience. It is unlikely, but not impossible, that he will start or feature against Ireland. If he can maintain his fitness, he will certainly make his Test debut in 2024.
Meanwhile, the Harlequins star Tyrone Green He has qualified for next year’s England squad and had another sensational season in the Premiership and Investec Champions Cup. Frankly, his form is good enough to merit a first call-up, so the Springboks could bring the former SA U20 player back to prevent the England international from returning next year.
Boclometer: How 25 Springbok candidates fared as Damian de Allende bends BMT and Jasper Wiese’s red threatens involvement
Wildcard
With Handre Pollard expected to be fit for the series against Ireland, the Boks coaching staff could look to another playmaker in the fullback jersey. Manny Libbok or Johan Goossen.
Livbok played fullback for the Sharks and Bulls during his playing days and could return to fullback as a great option for both kicking to the backline and playmaking.
The same goes for Bulls flyhalf Goosen. Goosen also played fullback during his career and has even started for the Springboks in the past. He has performed well for Jake White’s side and could be recalled to the squad given his experience at Test level.
Finally, a Bulls star who is in top form david kriel He could get his first shot in a Springbok jersey as a full-back. He is also a versatile star, playing both wing and center roles for the Bulls this season. He has previously played at fullback and could be a true dark horse for the position.
read more: Springboks: Who can Rassie Erasmus turn to if Stephen Kitshoff is out?
