Will the Springboks soon feature an all non-white backline?
The Springboks could feature an all non-white backline in the near future, with recent selections and player performances suggesting a lineup that includes stars like Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Arendse, Willemse, Moodie, Van der Merwe, and potentially Kolbe. Picture: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
The Springboks have been setting the benchmark not only for their stellar play over the last few years, but also for other national sporting codes for the number of players of colour which make up the core of the side.
In fact, it might not be too long until we finally see an all non-white backline.
Against Italy last weekend, the Springboks selected a somewhat more experimental, yet still extremely powerful, side in Turin.
Among the backline, recalled flyhalf Handre Pollard and centre Ethan Hooker were the only white players.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu Shines; Potential Backline Changes with Kolbe at Fullback
At 31, Pollard’s future as the first-choice flyhalf seems to be limited as Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu continues to shine in the position. Feinberg-Mngomezulu was already the starting 10 against France, and he is expected to start again against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.
It means that it is only potentially the centre position that could still be filled by a non-white player.
Though Damian Willemse is excellent at fullback, he is also excellent at centre, which means the backline could be shifted around.
With Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe on the wing, it could allow the supremely talented Cheslin Kolbe to don the 15 jersey.
Just imagine that a backline from scrumhalf to fullback with the names Grant Williams, Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Arendse, Willemse, Canan Moodie, Van Der Merwe, and Kolbe.
It’s difficult to find a weakness in those world-class players, and with another encounter against ‘minnows’ Wales coming up on November 29, maybe that’s the lineup we could see.
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