Springbok Watch: Key Players For Rugby Championship Opener v Argentina

Quintin van Jaarsveld identifies the Springbok players who’ll be in the spotlight in their opening Rugby Championship assignment against Argentina in Gqeberha on Saturday.

Joseph Dweba

A burly, barnstorming hooker with explosive power, impressive mobility and fantastic fundamentals, the Bordeaux bruiser will make his Springbok debut as one of 12 changes to the matchday squad that won the British & Irish Lions series decider in Cape Town at the weekend.

It’s a massive occasion for the former Cheetahs star and a stern test first up, one that borders on a baptism of fire when it comes to the scrum battle, where the Pumas are notoriously tough to contain and uniquely cagey. The focus won’t be on his ball-carries or work rate but rather his execution following his shaky showing for South Africa ‘A’ against the British & Irish Lions.

The accuracy of his lineout throwing will be the strongest indicator of his mental make-up – how easy or challenging the blue-chipper will find the step-up to Test rugby between the ears.

Kwagga Smith

A move back to the side of the scrum allows Smith the opportunity to focus on being a nuisance at the breakdown after being bumped around by the British & Irish Lions at No.8 in the opening Test. The x-factor that made him such a sterling servant of Blitzbok rugby is what sets him apart from the other back-rowers in the Springbok squad, while his mongoose-like mongrel and dogged determination enable him to make ground in confined spaces despite being one of the smallest dogs in the fight on the frontline.

However, his predatory pilfering is a key reason for his inclusion in the national set-up and certainly the driving force behind his selection for Saturday’s showdown. His effectiveness to slow the ball down and snatch a few turnovers will be front of mind and with Marco van Staden, the only other specialist fetcher in the squad waiting in the wings on the bench, it’s crucial that the Yamaha Jubilo ace comes to the party on a personal level as well as for the team and squad as a whole.

Aphelele Fassi

The Sharks speedster has seamlessly slotted into the Springbok squad, having a dream debut against Georgia and following it up with another standout showing for South Africa ‘A’ against the Bulls. Interestingly, he’s back on the left wing, where he shone and scored with his first touch of the ball against the Lelos, as opposed to starting at fullback where he plays most of his club rugby.

Things are only going to get tougher for the Test greenhorn from here on out. In that regard, the Pumas present an ideal step up; they are tactically sound, so they’ll test the lanky 23-year-old under the high ball, yet they’re also unpredictable, which will require Fassi and his fellow outside backs to be on their toes throughout.

Damian Willemse

Speaking of Fassi’s back trio brethren, Willemse gets an opportunity to show the Springbok management team he’s more than a super-sub. The mercurial 23-year-old was mightily impressive off the bench against Georgia and in the British & Irish Lions series, injecting impetus into the midfield and at fullback.

However, for the first time, he’s been squarely identified as a super-sub this season rather than the future at No.15 or elsewhere. He’s even been openly referred to as “the next Frans Steyn.” Being as multi-talented as he is, capable of playing everywhere in the backline aside from scrumhalf, is both a blessing and a curse, a double-edged sword that’s led to so many similar super-talents never fully reaching their potential at the highest level due to that very versatility making them ideal cover to have on the pine.

Quintin van Jaarsveld

Quintin Van Jaarsveld is a former MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year and a former three-time Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year. Formerly the sports editor and Outstanding Journalist of the Year award winner at The Fever Media Group, deputy editor at eHowzit, editor at SARugby.com and senior staff writer at Rugby365.com, he boasts over 15 years’ experience and is currently a freelance sports writer.