Wales will be arriving on South African shores for a three test series to be played across three weeks. However in a stroke of genius, the Springbok management has scheduled two midweek games for an SA 'A' side, to give them every opportunity at building depth and testing their players mettle.
The opponents aren't as of yet confirmed and could range anywhere from Georgia to the USA Eagles, all of which would be welcomed with open arms. With about 18 games left before the World Cup, time is running out to unearth fresh talent and provide them with the necessary test experience to excel at the sports most coveted event. Balance between the old guard and the young up and comers is essential in terms of the teams growth. It will be awesome to see some players given a run in these games, especially as the first two tests are not likely to see much deviation from the regular starters.
For the new comers, the SA 'A' game provides a great opportunity to make the step up and put your hand up for a role in the 3rd and final test of the series, with a view of growing involvement throughout the Rugby Championship and end of year tour to follow. The likes of Roos, Louw, Senatla, Buthelezi and so on will definitely be targeting these games as their platform to launch.
I remember going to the SA 'A' game against the French Barbarians at Orlando Stadium in Soweto and seeing Ox Nche get his first opportunity to put his hand up there. Look where he is now. I also have no doubt the mid week games will draw great crowds as our Springbok Rugby deprived nation is desperate to see their favorites in action for the first time since 2019. So with out further waffling on my part, here is my SA 'A' side:
1 . Trevor Nyakane
2. Joseph Dweba
3. Thomas du Toit (c)
4. Marvin Orie
5.Ruan Nortje
6. Elrigh Louw
7. Hacjivah Daymani
8. Evan Roos
9. Grant Williams
10. Manie Libbok
11 . Leolin Zas
12. Andre Esterhuizen
13. Wandisile Simelane
14. Seabelo Senatla
15. Tyrone Greene
16. Johan Grobbelaaar
17. Nthuthuko Mchunu
18. Neethling Fouche
19. Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg
20. Phepsi Buthelezi
21 Jaden Hendrikse
22. Siya Masuku
23. Warrick Gelant
Whilst going through potential players for this side, I tried to stick to those fringe squad members who are looking to break into the Springbok match day 23. This was almost impossible for the front row however as there is just so much talent there a the moment. The likes of Ox, Trevor, Kitshoff, Koch, Malherbe, Du Toit, Oosthuizen and the list goes on, provide great depth. So I decided it wasn't likely the squad would feature many new comers in that department, hence me starting Trevor and Thomas in the SA "A" side purely from a rotation point of view.
I can't wait to see the talent listed above get their shot in the Green & Gold of the Springboks and this may prove to be their chance to make their step up into the test arena. Some of the players have a handful of caps to their name, whilst others are new arrivals on the scene. Ox Nche is proof that these games provide the opportunity to break into the mix and establish yourself at the top level of the sport.