Nienaber full of praise for new speedsters

Jacques Nienaber follows in the footsteps of Rassie Erasmus in his first home test at the new head coach of the Springboks having named debutants on either wing.

Sharks fullback Aphelele Fassi has been shifted onto the left-wing in the absence of Rugby World Cup winner Makazole Mapimpi - who forced to self-isolate as one of the close contacts to the three Springboks that tested positive for Covid.

Sbu Nkosi also missing the encounter through a positive Covid test while Cheslin Kolbe, who started the Rugby World Cup final on the right wing, misses the encounter having recently linked up with the squad. 

Nienaber has backed the 23-year-old Fassi to impress on Friday evening against Georgia having already made his presences known during the training camps. 

"We had picked the team on Saturday evening, but we hadn't announced the team," Nienaber said.

"On Sunday, we obviously had the Covid issues within the camp. I don't want to go into too much detail and specifics, but we want to be as transparent as possible.

"The only two guys that got influenced by the [Covid positive tests] were Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am. They were close contacts, so they went into isolation immediately.

"That's how Aphelele Fassi and Jesse Kriel got into the mix. He (Fassi) trained with us in the conditioning weeks at wing.

"He's new in the squad, but he's a very talented player, and he's got a massive skill set. I know he plays at 15 for his franchise predominantly, but he's slotted in beautifully at wing.

"With Willie (le Roux), Handre (Pollard), Jesse and Lukhanyo... there's good guidance around him. He's slotted in nicely."

Nienaber praised his debutant on the right wing with Rosko Specman also set to make his first start.

"Rosko is a live wire and brings a lot of energy," said Nienaber.

"He's a really funny guy off the field, and he's always got a smile on his face. But, I must say, when it comes to the rugby side of things, he's a full professional..

"It's well documented how successful he was at Sevens as part of the (2016) Olympic bronze medallist team.

"He's played a lot of tournaments on the big stage. On the field, he's very professional but off it, he's a fun guy, makes people laugh and brings a lot of energy."