Springboks v All Blacks: Predicted line-up as big guns return for the world champions

After the opening two rounds of this year’s Rugby Championship, South Africa have their tails up as they are setting the pace atop the standings courtesy of back-to-back bonus-point victories over Australia.

The Springboks got their campaign off to a superb start when they claimed a convincing 33-7 win over the Wallabies in Brisbane and secured a 30-12 triumph over Joe Schmidt’s troops in the corresponding fixture in Perth.

Head coach Rassie Erasmus made 10 changes to the Boks‘ starting line-up for that second encounter against the Wallabies as he rested the bulk of his big guns, while the fringe players got the job done.

However, next Saturday’s clash is against New Zealand and we expect the likes of captain Siya Kolisi, Willie le Roux, Damian de Allende, Frans Malherbe and Bongi Mbonambi all to return to the run-on side.

Here is our best bet at a potential Springboks line-up to face the All Blacks in Johannesburg next weekend.

Aphelele Fassi had a good game at full-back in the second clash against the Wallabies and will play plenty of matches for the Boks in the future, but we expect veteran Le Roux to get the nod for the clash against the Boks’ arch rivals.

The experienced full-back is safe at the back and usually slots in as a second playmaker, which will come in handy against the All Blacks.

14 Cheslin Kolbe

The hot stepping flyer was in action in both the encounters against the Wallabies in Australia and should retain his spot for the highly anticipated clash as he seldom lets the world champions down.

Renowned as one of the best attacking players in the game, Kolbe is expected to provide the All Blacks’ defence with plenty of headaches and if he finds himself in space, he could wreak havoc.

13 Jesse Kriel

One of the Springboks’ most improved players, like Kolbe the 30-year-old started in South Africa’s previous Rugby Championship matches and we expect him to wear the number 13 jersey once again in Johannesburg.

Kriel showed some deft touches with ball in hand against the Wallabies but apart from his brilliant attacking abilities, he is also solid on defence which will be crucial against the All Blacks.

12 Damian de Allende

Lukhanyo Am impressed in the number 12 jersey in Perth while Andre Esterhuizen is available again after serving his suspension, but we believe first choice inside centre De Allende will be back against New Zealand.

His ball carrying ability is vital to give the Boks momentum while he’s also handy on defence and at the breakdowns.

11 Kurt-Lee Arendse

The Springboks’ other diminutive wing was rested against the Wallabies in Perth last weekend after delivering another fantastic attacking performance in Brisbane which saw him being rewarded with a brace of tries.

Blessed with brilliant footwork and plenty of pace, Arendse has already scored 17 tries in 19 Tests and should replace Makazole Mapimpi in the number 11 jersey.

10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

The 22-year-old playmaker has taken to Test rugby like a duck to water and should retain his spot in the Boks’ run-on side, edging out the more experienced Handre Pollard.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been involved in all six of South Africa’s internationals this year and although he was less influential in Perth, he delivered a fine showing against Australia in Brisbane. Bok fans will be hoping for a similar display in Johannesburg.

9 Cobus Reinach

With Feinberg-Mngomezulu starting, it makes sense for Erasmus to select a senior player like Reinach on his inside as he should provide a calming influence to his inexperienced fly-half.