Reshuffled Springbok side should be able to overcome Scotland
Yet the big question of whether the Boks can defeat the All Blacks next month, sans Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu remains unanswered
Is the selection of Handrè Pollard at flyhalf in preference to last week’s incumbent, Manie Libbok, a vote of no confidence in Libbok, and by reverting to the tried and tested Pollard, is it a back-to-the-future decision?
Your guess is as good as mine.
Libbok did not have a poor game against England, but Pollard certainly did have two very poor performances for the Bulls, while the young and strong Vusi Moyo must surely be given a run against Wales next week. Surely?
So there are more questions than answers as Dr Rassie Erasmus builds depth, and seeks a more evolved game plan, but not at the expense of winning.
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It is a conundrum, so best not to fret or sweat about who or why.
Yet the big question of whether the Boks can defeat the All Blacks next month, sans Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu remains unanswered. So yes even this reshuffled Bok team should be able to beat Scotland, even though Scotland are somewhat better than England currently.
In more detail, can the Boks — without Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche — field a front row powerful enough to soften up the Scots, in preparation for the junior Bomb Squad, led by props Ntuthuko Mchunu and Zach Porthern, to subdue the men in kilts?
My answer is in the affirmative, and I can hardly wait to see Mchunu barge over after a barnstorming run, reminiscent of his number eight days at College. Scotland’s brave hearts are about to be put to the test.
An obvious weakness again this week will be the lack of a world-class lineout jumper, to complement the very willing and hard-working Ruan Nortje. Evan Roos gets his big chance to play the ball rather than the man, as is his wont.
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Our backline sparked by Embrose Papier, if not by Pollard, will almost certainly test the Scots, with Canan Moodie raring to go, as is Aphelele Fassi at fullback.
Damian Willemse had a blinder against England, but now finds himself at centre. If his stepping creates space for our wings, Scotland will be clutching confusedly at a scrum cap-wearing straw named Edwill van der Merwe!
In order to see the wood for the trees, it is useful to think of watching a three Act play: England; Scotland; and Wales, as we prepare for a haka inspired finale next month, complete with a pinch of mother-in-law’s tongue for good measure, Robbie Burn.
