Springboks need Australian win to keep Championship dreams alive
Nienaber makes several changes ahead of Australia encounter on Sunday
THE world cup winning Springboks will need a win against Australia in their Rugby Championship clash on the Gold Coast on Sunday, to keep their title defence dream alive.
The race to the 2021 title is currently between the mighty Boks and the All Blacks, with both teams unbeaten after the first two encounters.
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The All Blacks will play a double header against Argentina before coming up against Jacques Nienaber’s men, with the Springboks playing the Wallabies twice.
Looking at statistics and current form, the All Blacks will make light work of Argentina and go into the Springbok clash with four wins under their belt.
This forces Nienaber’s troops to do the same to stay in contention.
But looking at the statistics on previous clashes in Australia, the host nation has come out on top every time.
Nienaber has made a number of changes to his match-day 23, which sees current star Cheslin Kolbe out with an injury.
But Duane Vermeulen makes his return, alongside Faf de Klerk.
The Wallabies squad has been heavily criticised in the media of late owing to their lack of physicality and form which will give the Springboks an edge.
Both sides will welcome the fans in the stadium again after Covid-19 restrictions saw teams competing in empty stadia.
Kick-off is scheduled for 9.05am local time, and Bok fans will hope the bounce of the ball falls in their favour.
With five wins from their previous six outings, which include a Lions series, South Africa will head into the contest with their tales up.
Springbok team – 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 – Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi and 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Ox Nché, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Marco van Staden, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Jasper Wiese, 22 Herschel Jantjies and 23 Damian Willemse.
