Australia v Springboks: How many Wallabies crack a combined XV for the Rugby Championship opener?
Split with Australia's Rob Valetini and the Springboks.
The teams are in and we are almost set to get underway in the 2024 Rugby Championship, which is kicked off by the Wallabies hosting the Springboks.
Before the action, we selected a combined XV from the two matchday squads and on this occasion there are PLENTY of South Africans in our side.
Bok backs
15 Willie le Roux (South Africa): A veteran of the game, the 95-cap Springbok is a safe bet for our side over Wallaby Tom Wright, who is a solid player in his own right but has some way to go to reach Le Roux’s level. The double Rugby World Cup winner’s importance to the South African attack earns him further points over his opposite number.
14 Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa): An iconic wing who has been there and done it more than once before. An easy selection fuelled by his remarkable sidestep, impressive turn of pace and that chasing lost causes attitude which has benefited the Springboks in big moments before.
13 Jesse Kriel (South Africa): The outside centre flicked the ‘world-class’ switch when he had a gap to fill for an injured Lukhanyo Am last year and he has not looked back. Kriel’s athleticism allows him to execute his duties with aplomb whether that is making defensive reads or trying to bust through the line himself.
12 Damian de Allende (South Africa): Hunter Paisami has shown some promise under Joe Schmidt and the duo will both be hoping he could become something close to what De Allende is for South Africa; consistent, reliable and powerful. Everyone knows what the Springbok brings because he has done it 79 times in South African colours.
11 Kurt-Lee Arendse (South Africa): 15 tries in 18 Tests. Not much more needs to be said but we will anyway, Arendse has only been world-class in Springboks colours and is in the conversation for the best wingers on the planet right now. His ability to beat defenders is one thing, as is his aerial skills, but his knack of always being in the right spaces at the right time makes him a prolific finisher. Filipo Daugunu does deserve a mention as one of the Wallabies best under Schmidt so far but Arendse’s strike rate is miles ahead.
10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (South Africa): It’s not often that dropping the hero of a World Cup triumph in Handre Pollard to the bench is met with very little, if any, backlash. Such is the quality of the young star who boasts the attacking intent and prowess of Manie Libbok as well as the composure of Pollard. It has been an unbelievable start to his Test career but this is it, this could be that moment. Noah Lolesio is only just returning to the Test scene and while he has been good in gold it’s not enough to displace the Springbok prodigy.
Rassie Erasmus: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s start is ‘definitely a sign of the future’
🇿🇦 What do you make of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu start at 10 for the Springboks against Australia? #AUSvRSA pic.twitter.com/KORnBuZlLP
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) August 6, 2024
9 Cobus Reinach (South Africa): Take nothing away from Jake Gordon whose rounded game looks spot on for Schmidt’s plans, but who doesn’t love a try-scoring scrum-half. Reinach is known for his pace but he offers so much in his distribution and kicking game. Throw in his vast experience and it’s an easy pick.
Forward pack
8 Rob Valetini (Australia): The lone Wallaby and by no means a token selection. Valetini was named at blindside but to be frank it doesn’t matter what number is on his back as he will carry at the Springboks’ defence all game long, when he isn’t doing that he will tackle himself dead. Valetini is in the pool of the world’s most elite back-rowers, it feels like he has been around forever but at just 25 he is on a fast track to becoming a Wallabies legend.
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa): For the record, there are few if any players that could displace the Springbok from a combined XV. Even with his dad’s tendon for a hamstring, nothing can stop the Malmesbury Missile from having no regard for his personal safety as he catapults his massive frame into opposition ball carriers. An exceptional defender as we all know but keep an eye out for his running game in the trams.
6 Siya Kolisi (South Africa): Captain, leader, legend. The way in which South Africa so desperately wants their figurehead to return home showcases how influential the openside has become. After copping some criticism he put in some brilliant outings against Ireland and he will be fired up again. There is something different about the Kolisi in green and gold.
5 RG Snyman (South Africa): A moment must be taken for the development of Lukhan Salakai-Loto who looks set to become a focal point of the Wallabies pack, but it’s impossible to look beyond the Viking. Snyman’s exceptionally large frame and long levers could almost be cut from a comic book in how he manipulates the ball in contact to find an offload. Throw in his line-out prowess and obvious physicality and you have a very unique player. He will be relishing every start he can get.
Springboks squad winners and losers as Rassie Erasmus backs ‘insane’ talent
4 Eben Etzebeth (South Africa): On a one-way road to becoming the most capped Springbok ever which does not happen by mistake. Etzebeth is an icon of the sport and not just for South Africa, his extreme yet impressively calculated physicality is a cornerstone of his game powered by his massive engine.
3 Frans Malherbe (South Africa): The anchor himself. While it may not be his best period in terms of form he still edges ahead of Wallabies skipper Allan Alaalatoa. We all know Malherbe is there to monster in the scrum and he likely will again but an underrated part of his game is his defensive work-rate and a glance at his tackle counts may surprise a few.
2 Bongi Mbonambi (South Africa): Matt Faessler is a growing hooker and clearly the incumbent but for us, it’s a simple choice with the ‘Top Dog’ cracking the nod. Mbonambi has grown into a leader as his time on the Test scene has gone on and he will look to lead the charge in terms of being as physical as possible.
1 Ox Nche (South Africa): The best is still to come from Nche which is a scary thought as the Springbok looks to kick on from a great 2023 season. He has the keys to the ship without Steven Kitshoff around and chances are he could keep them when his teammate returns. He has not enjoyed the questions about the scrums and would love to put in a performance that leaves no questions. Wallaby Isaac Kailea deserves a mention after a good start to his Test career but he has SOME way to go to rival Nche.