Big boost: Springboks Star Player Back Ahead of Ireland series

For the first Test match of the series against Ireland at Loftus Versfeld, head coach Rassie Erasmus of the Springboks has received a significant boost to his back three playing stocks.

Damian Willemse’s hand injury forced him to miss the entire series, so the starting back three from the team that defeated New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final would almost certainly change.

Due to injuries suffered by Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe during the build-up, it appeared as though the Boks would require a new trio before to the series.

However, Erasmus has been given a timely boost and looks set to deploy a threatening back three against Ireland.

Willie le Roux boost

Reputable Afrikaans tabloid the Rapport said that Willie le Roux, who had a concussion during the United Rugby Championship semifinal victory over Leinster, will start the first Test match against Ireland.

The seasoned full-back was sidelined during the Bulls’ loss to Glasgow Warriors in the championship game, and it was unclear if he would be ready to take on Andy Farrell’s charges.

Although the Springboks’ first Test match of the year saw Aphelele Fassi shine against Wales, Erasmus acknowledged that the player still needed a number of improvements and is not anticipated to play in the opening encounter against Ireland.

Edwill van der Merwe and Makazole Mapimpi, who both had a great performance in the victory over Wales, both had niggles during the match and were checked this week in training.

Both Kolbe and Arendse, who started every Rugby World Cup knockout encounter, were picked to be out of the starting 23 for the match at Loftus, and that has turned out to be the case.

After suffering a facial injury, Arendse healed in time to start for the Bulls in the URC final. According to the report, he will start in the back three alongside Le Roux and Kolbe.

Regarding Kolbe, there were concerns regarding his availability following the speedster’s knee injury suffered during the Japan Rugby League One campaign. The 30-year-old was taken out of the group to seek additional medical advice after arriving back in South Africa, but he was back in time for the Wales encounter to continue his recuperation.

The report adds that Erasmus is likely to favour a 5-3 bench split for the first Test of the year on home soil due to the fitness concerns of Faf de Klerk and the starting back three.