Captain Siya Kolisi has thrown his support behind the Springboks’ uncapped front row ahead of Saturday’s Test against Georgia in Nelspruit.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has named props Boan Venter and Neethling Fouche and hooker Marnus van der Merwe in the starting XV for their first Test caps at Mbombela Stadium.
Kolisi, who returns to the starting lineup after missing the first three matches of the season through injury, was quick to back the trio.
“They’ve been training against the likes of Ox [Nche], Wilco [Louw] and Malcolm [Marx], and the players around them have played Test rugby before,” said Kolisi.
“A scrum is not only about the front row – it involves everyone in the pack doing their bit, and everyone knows what they have to do. I’m very proud of the guys earning their first Test caps, and as a group, we feel there is enough experience in the team for them to know we have their backs.”
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Kolisi made his Springbok debut at Mbombela Stadium in 2013 and said he couldn’t wait to play again in front of the “amazing crowd”.
“The vibe here is always fantastic. Like in Gqeberha last week, the supporters really got involved and inspired us. We’re very grateful for the energy they bring.”
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick warned that Georgia’s physicality and set-piece strength cannot be underestimated.
“Georgia are tough – I’ve been there, I’ve seen how passionate and physical their players are,” he said. “But we’re focused on improving our own standards. There’s still room for growth and we want to see that reflected in our performance.”
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Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images
