Playing selector: Is this the Springboks’ strongest XV?

The Boks have a few big matches coming up when only their best XV will be considered for action. Picture: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images The Springboks have spent many years building incredible depth under coach Rassie Erasmus, and every international season brings a new exciting crop of players rising through the ranks. Erasmus has often said that he wants to have at least three or four top class players in each position, which will allow the team to keep moving seamlessly forward, regardless of any injury crisis that may befall them.

But heading towards Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks, starting next month, and onto the World Cup in Australia next year, it must be asked: What is the Boks’ strongest starting 15, that will be picked to compete in the most important games? If everyone is fit and available, these are my picks for the Springboks’ strongest 15. I believe Nche and Marx are the two best players in their positions in the world.

The Boks do have some decent depth at loosehead, with Gerhard Steenekamp and Boan Venter both very good, but Nche is still head and shoulders above for me. At tighthead the battle is immense with a number of options. Thomas du Toit has been the best tighthead in the English Premiership for the past two seasons, while Carlu Sadie is a beast for Bordeaux-Begles, but I think Louw shades the fight and is one of the world’s most destructive scrummagers.

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Despite his injury and concussion problems, and recent 12 match ban for eye gouging, Etzebeth is still the ultimate enforcer and I hope he can have a proper run over the coming months. Though there are some strong contenders at No 4 lock, namely Ruan Venter and Riley Norton, Etzebeth is still tops. The No 5 lock position is much more competitive, but I personally like RG Snyman and believe he should be backed as a starter, although I fully understand why the Bok management back his bench impact more. Ruan Nortjé, a real work horse, would then get the nod for me, just ahead of Lood de Jager.

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