Rassie Erasmus' team selection for the Wales test is designed to crush the opposition, deploying a powerful squad with a focus on a physical game. The Springboks' 'nuclear bomb squad' on the bench, combined with a massive backline, signals an intention to overwhelm Wales.
The Springboks ' team announcement for their upcoming match against Wales has sent a clear message: they are not taking it easy. Any hopes Wales had of a softer challenge in this end-of-year international test, outside the regular international window, have been dispelled by Rassie Erasmus ' selection. The squad assembled by Erasmus appears designed to overwhelm the opposition, and the entire match-day squad of 23 players has likely caused considerable apprehension within the Welsh camp.
\One of the most striking aspects of the Springboks' selection is their 'nuclear bomb squad' on the bench: seven forwards and one back. Erasmus explained that this decision was partly due to player releases to their franchises, who are rightly compensated for players on international duty instead of playing in the URC. The focus on a physical game is evident, with a relentless onslaught of big men expected to test Wales throughout the match. This approach mirrors the physical dominance the Springboks displayed against Ireland in Dublin the previous week. The size and power of the Springbok team extends beyond the forwards. The backline features a formidable collection of physically imposing players. While Damian Willemse may be the 'smallest' outside back, he has become increasingly powerful and explosive. The wings, Canan Moodie and Ethan Hooker, offer significant height and size. The midfield duo of Damian de Allende and Andre Esterhuizen further emphasizes the team's size and strength. Even the flyhalf, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, is known for his physicality. The scrumhalf, Morne van den Berg, provides the only real exception to the general trend of size.\The forwards are a mix of experience and potential. Franco Mostert will be looking to make amends for a red card in Turin, while Ben-Jason Dixon also aims for a strong performance. Zachary Porthen is set to cover loosehead prop. Alongside them on the bench is Bongi Mbonambi, a double World Cup winner. Eben Etzebeth, nearing 150 caps, and Kwagga Smith, a 'bomb squad' specialist, add further experience and depth. Cobus Reinach, the sole back on the bench, will celebrate his 50th cap if he takes the field. The contrast between the two teams is striking. The Welsh starting team, with just 267 caps combined, faces a Springbok side packed with seasoned internationals. The Welsh team might not be as inexperienced as it appears, as the vast majority of the players have played a number of games for Wales. The Welsh will be tested by the Springbok's well-built and experienced team. The Welsh celebrated scoring 26 points against the All Blacks last week. They have also celebrated the limited time they were competitive against Argentina in the first game they played in the autumn international season
Springboks Wales Rugby Rassie Erasmus International Test
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