Springbok Squad: Winners and Losers

Rassie Erasmus has named his match day 23 for the opening Rugby Championship game and first of two tests against Australia, in Australia. The Springboks have not won back to back games in Australia since 1993. Here is a look at the winners and losers.

Losers:

Manie Libbok:

Libbok misses out on the 23 as Erasmus opts for a 6/2 split on the bench. With Feinberg-Mngomezulu able to play 10, 12 and 15 and Handre Pollard able to play 10 and 12, Libbok misses out. 

Ruan Nortjé:

Nortje had an outside chance of starting at 5 due to his ability to manage and run the line out. RG Snyman has had a few troubles in that area with the added punch he offers off the bench.

Winners:

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu:

SFM has earned his first start and few fans will have a complaint. He has taken to test rugby with ease and this is a huge test in his young career. Reward for great form.

Elrigh Louw:

Louw takes the 8 jumper from Kwagga Smith. The Springboks are waiting on the Wiese suspension to end as they have not entirely filled the void he has left as of yet.

Springbok Medical Team:

Both Marx and du Toit start in a game they looked set to miss after picking up injuries last month

Springbok Speed:

Erasmus has named a 6/2 split on the bench with Dixon, van Staden and Smith covering the no front row forwards. It is clear that the Head Coach wants to up the tempo and run Australia off their feet in the final 30-40 minutes.