Springboks: ‘Faf Lite’ to debut against Portugal, Siya Masuku snubbed – report
Lions star Morne van den Berg looks on.
Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus is set to name his team to face Portugal on Tuesday, and one player is in line to make his Test debut.
Erasmus confirmed after the defeat to Ireland that he has already announced the team to face Os Lobos internally and reports in South Africa state there will be one player making his debut in the squad.
The clash in Bloemfontein will be the first meeting between the Springboks and Portugal, and Erasmus is keen to test depth with a “totally different” side set to tackle Os Lobos.
Morne van den Berg to debut
According to a report by the Rapport, Lions scrum-half Morne van den Berg will make his debut in the matchday 23 and could start against Portugal alongside fly-half Manie Libbok.
Many South African fans affectionately know Van den Berg as ‘Faf Lite’ as the double World Cup-winning Bok number nine also made his mark at the Lions before going on to represent the Springboks.
The potential debutant is believed to be in a two-horse race to be the starting nine against Portugal with Cobus Reinach as Faf de Klerk and Grant Williams are to be rested for the encounter in Bloemfontein.
Libbok is set to take the number 10 jersey, having missed out on selection against Wales and Ireland. The Stormers fly-half is set to run the attack with the rest of the backline resembling the one that faced Wales.
Andre Esterhuizen could return to the number 12 jersey after featuring in the Currie Cup this past week with Lukhanyo Am on his outside. Edwill van der Merwe could return to the starting XV after a stunning debut at Twickenham with Makazole Mapimpi on the other wing and Aphelele Fassi at full-back.
Injury dependent
The report suggested that Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu could feature against Portugal but that would be down to potential injuries during the second Test against Ireland and with him playing most of the match after Willie le Roux’s concussion, the rookie could be rested for the Rugby Championship.
Meanwhile, Sharks pivot Siya Masuku is likely to miss out on a debut against Portugal, according to the report, with Jordan Hendrikse a possible option for the clash.
He is not alone, though, with Springboks call-ups Quan Horn and Ethan Hooker also set to wait a bit longer for a Test debut.
Possible Springboks backline to face Portugal: 9 Cobus Reinach, 10 Manie Libbok, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 15 Aphelele Fassi
Backline replacements: 21 Morne van den Berg, 22 Jordan Hendrikse, 23 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
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