Springbok Watch: Players in the Spotlight v Australia in Cape Town

Thomas du Toit

Du Toit is a class act and a colossus for Bath, ranking among the Premiership’s best players. However, despite his 25 Test caps and a 2019 World Cup winner’s medal, he’s never truly flourished in the Green and Gold.

Though not considered a first-choice at loosehead or tighthead, his ability to play both makes him the only swing prop in the squad. However, the last time he started for the Boks was at No. 1 in the second Test against Italy in July and saw him being yanked off after 30 minutes.

Now set to start in his preferred position on the right side of the scrum, this is the chance for “The Tank” to turn it up and take names.

Kriel To Captain New-Look Boks In Wallabies Rematch

Jean-Luc du Preez

The Bok eighthman curse of 2025 continued with captain Siya Kolisi suffering a knee injury in last weekend’s shock 38-22 loss to the Australians, which will keep him out for four weeks.

Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, and Juarno Augustus are also injured, while Jasper Wiese is serving a suspension. The role now falls back to Du Preez, who himself was a victim of the curse as he suffered a head knock in the first half of the season-opening clash against the Barbarians.

Now back and set to play in his first Test since the 24-13 win over Argentina in Buenos Aires in 2023, the dynamic Du Preez has a prime opportunity and the muscle power to make his mark.

Handre Pollard

After last weekend’s fiasco, the general is back to steady the ship. Some South African supporters don’t always fully appreciate Pollard for his ability to control a game with his experience, sound decision-making, and tactical prowess. 

Manie Libbok and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu are more exciting options with their electrifying ways, but every now and then, Bok fans are reminded just how invaluable the double World Cup winner is to the team and how integral he is to South Africa’s success.

The Ellis Park implosion was the latest example of the Boks needing a cool-headed tactician after things started to go south. Once the Wallabies rallied, Libbok’s error rate increased, and with no insurance policy, Bok rugby endured a Titanic-like tragedy.

Fortunately for them, Pollard – who needs three points to reach 800 points in Test rugby – is willing and able to take the wheel and offer stability and direction. 

Rugby Championship Predictions – Round 2

Damian de Allende

Andre Esterhuizen did a really good job in the No. 12 jersey last weekend and was rewarded with his first Test try, but with De Allende having recovered from an injury niggle, Rassie Erasmus has roped him right back into the starting XV.

De Allende is one of, if not the best inside centre in the world. Plus, no other midfield pairing has teamed up more in Bok history than he and Jesse Kriel (they’ll do so for the 38th time on Saturday).

He’ll also move into 10th place on the list of most-capped Boks, with 90 Tests (he’s currently tied on 89 with Pieter-Steph du Toit and the late Joost van der Westhuizen), so it makes sense why he’s back in the run-on side, but given Esterhuizen’s strong showing, fans will look to De Allende to deliver.

Canan Moodie

Multi-talented Moodie was one of the players who gained the most from this year’s Incoming Series. The 22-year-old impressed against Italy in Gqeberha and against Georgia in Nelspruit, scoring a try in both Tests. However, that was at outside centre.

Erasmus has selected him on the wing this week, and he’s coming off a nightmare cameo off the bench last Saturday, so he’ll probably feel the nerves. He has a good head on his shoulders, though.

It’s a pity that he can’t benefit from consistency in selection at club or Test level, but that’s life as a young utility player. Either way, Bok fans will be hoping for a good performance from him.