SA Rugby

Stargazer

Below are a few quotes from media releases on the Springboks website. They show what's going on with the squad in terms of selection:

16 September 2020

The battle lines are being drawn for a Castle Lager Springbok Showdown, which will pit the best local stars and top, up-and-coming talent against each other on 3 October, as SA Rugby announced its plans today to reignite an exciting four-month local season.

Springbok assistant coaches Mzwandile Stick and Deon Davids will coach Springbok Green versus Springbok Gold teams for the match at DHL Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday 3 October, with Rassie Erasmus (Director of Rugby) and Jacques Nienaber (Springbok coach) acting as the two Team Commissioners.

The selection process will take the form of a draft pick from an enlarged squad of 60 players with Green and Gold team bosses taking alternate turns in an old-style ‘school yard pick’ to assemble their match-day squads of 25 players each.

“This will not only be an opportunity to see the best of the best available talent in South Africa square off against each other in what promises to be something never seen before, but it will also provide the players with another valuable opportunity to shake of the rust and get the legs and lungs going after not playing any rugby in the last six months,” said Erasmus.

“The players will be encouraged to showcase their skills – individually and in their teams – and while it will be full-on, we’re expecting to see a highly competitive match of quality players against each other.

“It will be exciting – from the moment we select the squads, with a number of twists thrown in for good measure – through the build-up to the match and the actual encounter in Cape Town.”

19 September 2020:

Thirty-two capped Springboks – 13 of whom were part of the Rugby World Cup-winning squad in Japan a year ago – a number of Blitzboks and recent Junior Boks are among a roster of 93 players in the draft squad for the historic Castle Lager Springbok Showdown in Cape Town on Saturday 3 October.

Fifty of these players will end up in the two squads – Green and Gold – for the momentous match scheduled for DHL Newlands in two weeks’ time.

The players, all of whom are based in South Africa, will be drafted into two squads of 25 each by the respective team commissioners and coaches, with equal representation amongst all positions.

Furthermore, each squad will be augmented by seven rookies, all of whom will return to their provinces the day before the match if they are not required to step into either squad as replacements.

Castle Lager Springbok Showdown draft squad:

Props: Frans Malherbe*, Thomas du Toit*, Steven Kitshoff*, Trevor Nyakane*, Lizo Gqoboka^, Ox Nche^, Marcel van der Merwe^, Ruan Dreyer^, Dylan Smith, Carlu Sadie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Luan de Bruin, Sti Sithole, Nathan McBeth, Mzamo Majola, Johannes Jonker, John-Hubert Meyer.

Hookers: Bongi Mbonambi*, Scarra Ntubeni^, Dylan Richardson, Johan Grobbelaar, Schalk Erasmus, Fez Mbatha, Dan Jooste.

Locks: Jason Jenkins^, Marvin Orie^, Oupa Mohoje^, JD Schickerling, Emile van Heerden, Le Roux Roets, Hyron Andrews, Ruben van Heerden, Salmaan Moerat, Sintu Manjezi, Walt Steenkamp, Reinhard Nothnagel, Ruan Vermaak, Ruben Schoeman.

Looseforwards: Siya Kolisi*, Duane Vermeulen*, Sikhumbuzo Notshe^, Arno Botha^, Marco van Staden^, Nizaam Carr^, Jaco Kriel^, Ernst van Rhyn, Celimpilo Gumede, Jaco Coetzee, James Venter, Junior Pokomela, Phepsi Buthelezi, Thembelani Bholi, Vincent Tshituka, Elrigh Louw, Jeandré Rudolph, Juarno Augustus, Muller Uys, Len Massyn.

Scrumhalves: Herschel Jantjies*, Embrose Papier^, Ivan van Zyl^, Jaden Hendrikse, Sanele Nohamba.

Flyhalves: Elton Jantjies*, Damian Willemse*, Curwin Bosch^, George Whitehead, Kade Wolhuter, Manie Libbok.

Centres: Frans Steyn*, Lukhanyo Am*, Burger Odendaal, Jeremy Ward, Clinton Swart, Manuel Rass, Marius Louw, Rikus Pretorius, Wandisile Simelane, Werner Kok, Dan du Plessis, Ruhan Nel.

Outside backs: Warrick Gelant*, Travis Ismaiel^, Cornal Hendricks^, Courtnall Skosan^, Rabz Maxwane, Rosko Specman, Seabelo Senatla, Sergeal Petersen, Yaw Penxe, David Kriel, Gianni Lombard, Malcolm Jaer.

* denotes Springbok RWC squad members

^ denotes capped Springbok Test players

25 September 2020:

A raft of Springboks, Blitzboks and Junior Boks made the cut in two 25-man squads after an exciting live draft pick – the first of its kind in South African rugby history – for the Castle Lager Springbok Showdown in Cape Town on Saturday 3 October.

The two squads boast 13 members of the Rugby World Cup-winning squad from last year in Japan, as well as some exciting young players who will get to rub shoulders with established internationals for the eagerly awaited clash at DHL Newlands next Saturday (kick-off at 17h05).

Springbok Green squad:
Props: Ox Nche*, Thomas du Toit**, Trevor Nyakane**, Luan de Bruin
Hookers: Bongi Mbonambi**, Schalk Erasmus
Locks: JD Schickerling, Hyron Andrews, Oupa Mohoje*
Looseforwards: Siya Kolisi**, Arno Botha*, Duane Vermeulen**, Junior Pokomela, Juarno Augustus
Scrumhalves: Sanele Nohamba, Embrose Papier*
Flyhalves: Elton Jantjies**, Manie Libbok
Centres: Frans Steyn**, Wandisile Simelane, Jeremy Ward
Outside backs: Seabelo Senatla, Yaw Penxe, Gianni Lombard, Malcolm Jaer

Springbok Gold squad:
Props: Steven Kitshoff**, Dylan Smith, Frans Malherbe**, Ruan Dreyer*
Hookers: Scarra Ntubeni*, Dylan Richardson 
Locks: Salmaan Moerat, Marvin Orie*, Jason Jenkins*
Looseforwards: Marco van Staden*, Nizaam Carr*, Sikhumbuzo Notshe*; Vincent Tshituka, James Venter
Scrumhalves: Herschel Jantjies**, Jaden Hendrikse
Flyhalves: Damian Willemse**, Curwin Bosch*
Centres: Rikus Pretorius, Lukhanyo Am**, Werner Kok, Manuel Rass
Outside backs: Sergeal Petersen, Rosko Specman, Warrick Gelant**

26 September 2020

Sixteen rising South African rugby talents have been named to join the Springbok Green and Gold squads for a training week in preparation for next Saturday’s Castle Lager Springbok Showdown.

The young players – drawn largely form the ranks of the Junior Springboks – will spend the week in camp with the two national selections before returning to their provinces to begin the inter-provincial Under-21 championships.

Green - Props: Nathan McBeth (Emirates Lions), Kudzwai Dube (Emirates Lions). Hooker: Morne Brandon (Emirates Lions). Lock: JJ van der Mescht (Cell C Sharks). Back row: Evan Roos (Cell C Sharks), Phepsi Buthelezi (Cell C Sharks). Scrumhalf: Bernard van der Linde (Vodacom Blue Bulls). Centre: Mnombo Zwelindaba (DHL Western Province).

Gold - Props: Kwenso Blose (DHL Western Province), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Emirates Lions). Hooker: Fez Mbatha (Cell C Sharks). Lock: Emile van Heerden (Cell C Sharks). Back row: Celimpilo Gumede (Cell C Sharks), Muller Uys (Vodacom Blue Bulls). Scrumhalf: Thomas Bursey (DHL Western Province). Flyhalf: Kade Wolhuter (DHL Western Province).

sparky

It seems unlikely the Springboks who play for English and French clubs will be involved in the Rugby Championship this year.

taniwharugby

@sparky similarly the SA based Boks

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/300118977/springboks-still-uncertain-participants-for-rugby-championship

Stargazer

Line-ups for the Green v Gold match. According to Sky's Facebook page, this game will be LIVE on Sky Sport 1 from 4.00am (at the moment I'm writing this, it isn't in Sky's online tv schedule, yet).

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

https://www.springboks.rugby/news-features/articles/2020/09/30/kolisi-and-am-to-lead-green-and-gold-teams/

booboo

@Stargazer said in Springboks moving forward:

Line-ups for the Green v Gold match. According to Sky's Facebook page, this game will be LIVE on Sky Sport 1 from 4.00am (at the moment I'm writing this, it isn't in Sky's online tv schedule, yet).

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

https://www.springboks.rugby/news-features/articles/2020/09/30/kolisi-and-am-to-lead-green-and-gold-teams/

I have obviously not been keeping a track of SA rugby. I recognise only 17 of those 50 names.

Stargazer

@booboo Haha, it's not just you. I only recognise a few more. There are quite a few Blitzboks in the squads.

booboo

@Stargazer said in Springboks moving forward:

@booboo Haha, it's not just you. I only recognise a few more. There are quite a few Blitzboks in the squads.

Yeah. Some of the names I recognise.

Stargazer

Full time score:

Green 25 - 9 Gold

Match report and highlights video in this article: https://supersport.com/rugby/springboks/news/201003_Many_errors_but_many_lessons_learnt_in_Springbok_Showdown

Also, see this quote:

But it did also remind us that the Springboks’ chances of going to the Rugby Championship are slim to say the least and a good argument of being underdone can be made on the evidence of Saturday afternoon.

I really wonder when they're going to take the decision about their participation in the RC. Surely, they can't wait that long anymore?

booboo

@Stargazer said in Springboks moving forward:

Full time score:

Green 25 - 9 Gold

Match report and highlights video in this article: https://supersport.com/rugby/springboks/news/201003_Many_errors_but_many_lessons_learnt_in_Springbok_Showdown

Also, see this quote:

But it did also remind us that the Springboks’ chances of going to the Rugby Championship are slim to say the least and a good argument of being underdone can be made on the evidence of Saturday afternoon.

I really wonder when they're going to take the decision about their participation in the RC. Surely, they can't wait that long anymore?

Didn't see the Bokke trial, and have no desire too, but listened to Tony Johnson on Devlin's show over the weekend who made mention of the benefit of NZ making our game a North v South clash, to give it some meaning, rather than a meaningless trial and noted his comment about how it became about individuals wanting to be noticed.

Anyone watch the Green v Gold who can comment?

What would be the natural split for SA without invoking age old animosity?

I suspect Coastal v Veldt is essentially English v Afrikaaner ...

Machpants

Three fact is, even if the boks are ok to play, they are too precious about their world ranking and won't come. Which is sad, but things like that they actually care about. Foster's idea to can rugby ranking use the best thing to come out off his mouth so far. Stops lame excuses

Billy Webb

@Machpants said in Springboks moving forward:

Three fact is, even if the boks are ok to play, they are too precious about their world ranking and won't come. Which is sad, but things like that they actually care about. Foster's idea to can rugby ranking use the best thing to come out off his mouth so far. Stops lame excuses

Can't agree with any of this at all.
A couple of facts from the Republic:

Everyone, including the players and fans would love for rugby, and test matches in particular to return.
But unlike NZ, South Africa had a very strict Covid lockdown in place, for an extended period of time.
Rugby has only just resumed here.
Many of the Bok 1st choice players are based in the UK, who still are on a restricted travel list to SA - so no chance of them joining up for training.

I don't see it being in anyone's interest to send a sub-strength, under-cooked Bok side to play tests.
Would hardly be a test now would it?

Stargazer

@Billy-Webb said in Springboks moving forward:

I don't see it being in anyone's interest to send a sub-strength, under-cooked Bok side to play tests.
Would hardly be a test now would it?

Not only that, but it also increases the risk of injury. So it's also a player welfare issue.

nzzp

@Billy-Webb said in Springboks moving forward:

I don't see it being in anyone's interest to send a sub-strength, under-cooked Bok side to play tests.
Would hardly be a test now would it?

Froma rugby sense, not at all.

From a financial sense, absolutely. Internationals is wehre the money is - if you don't want a massive hole in your finances, you put out a team of some form, no matter if you get beaten.

Machpants

We get sub strength teams sent from NH all the time, it's pandemic time, you gotta just do your best. I agree that it could be a player welfare issue but if they play until they get to Oz, they should be fine. Cest la vie, it is what it is

Billy Webb

@Machpants said in Springboks moving forward:

We get sub strength teams sent from NH all the time, it's pandemic time, you gotta just do your best. I agree that it could be a player welfare issue but if they play until they get to Oz, they should be fine. Cest la vie, it is what it is

Fair enough, although I'd like to think that the Boks have too much respect for the AB rivalry to deliberately field a sub-strength team.
As @nzzp says, there is a financial consideration, although for me the player welfare consideration @Stargazer raises more than balances that.

Still, no decision taken as yet (that I know of) so let's see.
If they are planning on going, they need to get a ton of rugby under the belt before then. Everyone looked really rusty and below par fitness wise in the Green v Gold match.

Machpants

@Billy-Webb yeah it's a bit crap. Also even if the Boks want to come they still have to get govt permission, international touring has been banned as I understand it?

Billy Webb

@Machpants I am struggling to keep track of all the bans / restrictions / rules these days
But yes, I suspect the NZ government has to give the green light, and our lot too.
If I recall correctly, NZ is now on the latest allowed travel list into SA. Not sure what the story is for travel into NZ from here anyway.

For me, the Boks are better off to just forget this year. We have the BIL's touring here next year (hopefully!) and they may as well start focusing on that rather than risking a rushed program this year.

Sad to miss out on international rugby this year - but it has been such a circus show of a year, I am learning to live with a lot of things.

Machpants

@Billy-Webb No they're coming to Oz, not NZ, and have got the green light from Oz. But I think SA govt has banned international sporting tours

Billy Webb

@Machpants said in Springboks moving forward:

@Billy-Webb No they're coming to Oz, not NZ, and have got the green light from Oz. But I think SA govt has banned international sporting tours

Hahaha. Shows you how up to date I am. Thanks for clarifying.
(Our govt lot just make this shit up as they go along and as I said, hard to keep it all straight)
We have cricket players at the IPL, rugby players in France and the UK, cyclists in Italy... but international sporting tours....

Machpants

@Billy-Webb Yeah It was a line from one of the coaches after Green v Gold, first I'd heard of it! I think they should get dispensation, not like they're off to a covid hotspot

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