Nienaber facing more questions than answers

THE Springboks fell just short of winning the Rugby Championship.

Bok coach Jacques Nienaber used well over 40 players in 2022, and will be taking 50 players on the end-of-year tour to Europe, as South Africa will play in four Tests and two tour matches.

However, there may be more questions than answers in terms of selection and game plan following the end of the Championship.

The box-kick and maul approach was still evident, but at times, the world champions also expanded their horizons a bit with a more ballin-hand style, and it paid dividends, particularly when Damian Willemse shifted to flyhalf. He attacked the advantage line himself, and being more of a playmaker brought his outside backs into the action.

If Nienaber wants his team to continue their growth on attack, they will need the forwards to provide front-foot ball – and that is where the selection issues arise.

In the front row, Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx and Frans Malherbe finished the tournament as the undoubted first-choices, but who should make up the ‘Bomb Squad’ props?

All of Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Koch and Thomas du Toit – not to mention other fringe players such as Ntuthuko Mchunu and Carlu Sadie – are capable of making an impact.

Marx and Bongi Mbonambi are the top hookers, but who is the third-in-line?

Joseph Dweba had a tough time with his lineout throws. Nienaber views Stormers flank Deon Fourie as a serious back-up hooker.

RG Snyman’s latest injury setback at Munster means Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager have to keep going.

Nienaber simply has to provide opportunities for Salmaan Moerat, Franco Mostert and Marvin Orie in the second row in the four Tests.

The biggest headache is the loose trio. Siya Kolisi has had a solid season and is entrenched as the No 6 and captain, but Pieter-Steph du Toit hasn’t found that 2019 spark.

Mostert operated at No 7 as well, with some success, but he is an excellent lock.

Jasper Wiese has improved with every game, and Duane Vermeulen is still likely to be kept in the mix.

But can URC stars such as Elrigh Louw, Evan Roos, Hacjivah Dayimani and Vincent Tshituka (passport dependent) force their way in?

The two real backline talking points will be flyhalf and outside centre. Willemse showed that he could be the general the Boks have been searching for at No 10, with Handre Pollard next in line.

Hopefully one of Manie Libbok, Chris Smith, Jordan Hendrikse and Gianni Lombard is taken along for the tour. Lukhanyo Am’s injury-enforced absence has seen Jesse Kriel at outside centre, with mixed success. Nienaber has appeared to be reluctant to bring someone in from outside the squad. But loyalty to the World Cup-winning squad should only go so far, and Nienaber needs to make some tough calls on the November tour.