- Springboks opt for 7-1 split in favour of forwards in reserve
- Etzebeth fit to play for South Africa with Libbok starting at 10
The influential Eben Etzebeth is fit to face Ireland this weekend and has been included in a power-laden South Africa side for the pivotal Pool B match at the Stade de France on Saturday. The Springboks have also opted to roll out a forward-dominated bench with just one backline specialist among their replacements.
Etzebeth missed South Africa’s game against Romania with a sore shoulder which had previously forced him off early against Scotland but is back for one of the biggest collisions of the tournament to date. A Springbok win would effectively cement them as pool winners and leave Ireland sweating on their game against Scotland to guarantee qualification for the knockout stages.
Written by Robert Kitson in Paris
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/sep/19/south-africa-ireland-rugby-world-cup under the title “South Africa go big and bold with reboot of forward heavy bench against Ireland”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
