It's a numbers game: Springbok backline depth separates world champions from their rivals

A trademark of the Springboks’ recent success has been the remarkable depth and versatility of their backline. From fullback to scrumhalf, South Africa can call upon different world-class players, each offering unique skills while maintaining a consistently high standard as seen during the four mid-year internationals.

It says a lot about the side if players of the quality such as veteran outside centre Lukhanyo Am and Jaden Hendrikse, both World Cup winners, and Jordan Hendrikse are left on the outskirts and unable to crack a nod to be part of a match-day squad.

Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus will need to cut a few players for his Rugby Championship squad, despite every player putting up their hand during the matches against the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia.

Fullback

At No 15, the reliable Damian Willemse is back after a long absence, and he brought that trademark attacking flair, strong kicking, and solid defence in the matches he played. He was ably backed up by youngster Aphelele Fassi, who has shown brilliant consistency when called upon. Fassi with his left boot, as well as attacking runs, has been a brilliant addition to the Boks’ attack.

Centurion Willie le Roux’s experience and game awareness remain invaluable. All three of them provide that attacking spark, but with their different traits, they equip the Bok backline with various skills when on the park. The Springboks have no shortage of options at the back with these three in control.

Wings

South Africa’s wings are known for their explosive pace and physicality. While a first-choice pairing has clearly been established over the last year in Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, veteran Makazole Mapimpi hardly disappoints, while the arrival of Edwill van der Merwe brought more pace, sidestepping and an eye for tries.

The incredible work of the four wings under high kicks in the three Tests and against the Barbarians ensured the world champions served up with a varied attack. If they are not running the ball, they can pepper opposition with box kicks, which the four chasers achieving plenty of success. They complement each other, ensuring the Boks can rotate without compromising on quality.

Centres

In the midfield, Damian de Allende and Jessé Kriel form one of the most balanced centre partnerships in world rugby. De Allende’s power and direct running perfectly complement Kriel’s defensive brilliance and playmaking. Two other midfielders in André Esterhuizen and Canan Moodie provided the perfect depth, and they should be the second combination going forward.

They are almost like-for-like replacements, looking at what De Allende and Kriel bring to the system.

Debutant Ethan Hooker has also shown potential. Youth is on the side of Esterhuizen and Moodie as they continue to grow their partnership. Their strength on both sides of the ball and ability to gel together quickly will enable Erasmus to rotate the centre pairing more to keep De Allende fresh.

Flyhalf

With the Springbok attack evolving at a rapid rate, Manie Libbok has shown over the last couple of weeks why he is the top No 10 for the Springboks. His game next to Grant Williams brings the best out of the side when they run with the ball. Libbok’s awareness of space and decision making on the attack is up there, and it will be difficult for the Boks to keep him off the park at this rate.

Handré Pollard remains the option when it comes to composure. He doesn’t play the game like Libbok, but he brings a different calmness to the team that only he can. His goal-kicking remains his strong point, although Libbok has improved immensely. With Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu waiting in the wings and growing as the Springbok flyhalf, the world champions have a deadly trio that can only take the team forward.

Halfbacks

At scrumhalf, the Springboks boast experience in Faf de Klerk and Cobus Reinach, but the last couple of matches have shown it’s time for Williams to be the first-choice scrumhalf. Able to adapt to what is asked of him, he is head and shoulders above the other South African scrumhalves. Known for his sniping runs and quick service, Williams was outstanding against Italy and Georgia.

De Klerk and Reinach’s knowledge of the game is invaluable and how they pass it on to Williams and Morné van den Berg, who can be happy with his playing minutes, will be crucial for the South Africans as they head into the Rugby Championship.