Johannesburg - The next five matches - against a World XV, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina (twice) - should be viewed as a trial run for the Springboks ahead of the World Cup starting in September.
Expect coach Heyneke Meyer to do some experimentation where players, rookies and those with tons of experience alike, are tested for their readiness to make the final cut.
Rugby writer Jacques van der Westhuyzen looks at the options available to Meyer.
Fullback
Willie le Roux has been the first choice for some time, but the emergence of the attacking Jesse Kriel gives Meyer another option. And let’s not forget about Europe-based Zane Kirchner, a player rated highly by the Bok boss, while a fit-again Pat Lambie could also crack the nod. Cheslin Kolbe, because he covers wing as well, is an outside bet.
Likely picks: Le Roux and Kriel
Wing
Veteran Bryan Habana remains the first choice for left wing and is a certainty now and for the World Cup, while one should not look past Cornal Hendricks as the man for the right wing berth. JP Pietersen, for so long a mainstay in the team because of his versatility and experience, could be the surprise omission to allow for red-hot finisher Seabelo Senatla to be included for the coming matches. Lwazi Mvovo should also get a look-in, but there’s unlikely to be place for Bjorn Basson, Ruan Combrinck or S’bura Sithole.
Likely picks: Habana, Hendricks, Senatla, Mvovo
Centres
It’s one of the key areas in this World Cup year and Meyer doesn’t have too many options. Jean de Villiers is set to make a return next month so he’s sure to be included. The form centre, though, has been Damian de Allende, who covers inside and outside centre, while Lionel Mapoe deserves a crack in the shortened Rugby Championship. He also covers wing. Jan Serfontein is a shoo-in if he’s fit (he also covers 12 and 13) but it’ll be interesting to see if Jaque Fourie, now out of international retirement, gets a look-in. So, too, Frans Steyn, who previously made himself unavailable for the Boks but has seemingly made a U-turn. The Cheetahs’ Francois Venter has been impressive but it’ll be a surprise if he makes the cut, while Juan de Jongh has an outside chance, as has rookie Lions man Harold Vorster.
Likely picks: De Villiers, De Allende, Serfontein, Fourie, Mapoe
Flyhalf
The big question surrounds experienced No10 Morné Steyn, who’s hardly featured for the Boks in recent times but shone late in the season for his French club. He’s the best goal-kicker of all the flyhalves and is a proven match-winner. Handré Pollard is the rising star and a player with the pedigree to lead the Bok backs and will definitely be among the chosen men. Pat Lambie will also feature now, while Elton Jantjies and Demetri Catrakilis will feel they did enough in Super Rugby to warrant a shot against the World XV. And don’t forget about Johan Goosen, a player rated highly by Meyer but who’s battled with injury since making his debut some years ago.
Likely picks: Pollard, Lambie, Jantjies
Scrumhalf
It remains the one position where the Boks are not that well covered. Fourie du Preez appears to be first choice for the No9 jersey, but will he be match-fit and is he going to be in form? He may well be put on ice until the World Cup. Some will argue Faf de Klerk, for his snappy service and game-breaking ability, is a must, but he is inexperienced at Test level. And then we have Cobus Reinach, who’s spent much time on the sidelines recently, and Rudy Paige of the Bulls, who’s impressed this season. And, is there still a place for Ireland-based Ruan Pienaar, a veteran and star for his club but who’s rarely delivered brilliance at Test level? Francois Hougaard, who hasn’t helped himself by playing on the wing for the Bulls, can possibly prepare himself for getting the chop.
Likely picks: Paige, Pienaar, De Klerk
No8
There really are only three candidates: Duane Vermeulen, Pierre Spies and Warren Whiteley. Vermeulen, one of the world’s best No8s, could possibly lead the side in the coming weeks should De Villiers not be deemed fit to play, but he could also play a limited role to keep himself fit and fresh for the World Cup. Whiteley, after a stunning Super Rugby campaign, deserves a chance in the next five Tests, which could result in Spies missing out. But the Bulls man is a favourite of Meyer’s. Much will depend on who Meyer picks as his flankers, who’d also be able to cover eighthman.
Likely picks: Vermeulen, Whiteley
Flank
There’s been big investment in Francois Louw and Willem Alberts, with the returns being pretty good, so they’ll feature again. And then Schalk Burger’s shown good form this year; he has the experience and he covers all three back-row positions. Marcell Coetzee’s been part of Meyer’s squad since 2012 and always seems to be in good form, while Teboho Mohoje is back in the mix after injury. But what about Nizaam Carr, Lappies Labuschagne, Siya Kolisi, Heinrich Brussow and three of the shining lights in Super Rugby, Jaco Kriel, Warwick Tecklenburg and Boom Prinsloo?
Likely picks: Louw, Alberts, Coetzee, Burger, Kriel, Mohoje
Lock
Victor Matfield and Eben Etzebeth look to be the front runners to lock the scrum in the coming months, but Meyer will be hoping Pieter-Steph du Toit is fully fit come the World Cup, or even as soon as next month. Lood de Jager has missed most of this year with injury but is also close to returning to action, while there’s still no clarity on Flip van der Merwe’s availability. So, too, Andries Bekker. Ruan Botha and Franco Mostert were impressive in Super Rugby but it will be a surprise if either makes the cut.
Likely picks: Matfield, Etzebeth, Du Toit, De Jager
Prop
Meyer’s spoilt for choice - not something we would have said a few years ago. Jannie du Plessis and Beast Mtawarira will be the main men, even though Du Plessis needs a rest, while their back-up is likely to be Frans Malherbe, Trevor Nyakane and Coenie Oosthuizen, who, if he’s fully fit, covers both tighthead and loosehead. Steven Kitshoff and Vincent Koch could also get a look-in. Then there’s Marcel van der Merwe and a host of men at the Lions who’ll be holding thumbs.
Likely picks: Du Plessis, Mtawarira, Nyakane, Kitshoff, Malherbe, Oosthuizen
Hooker
Bismarck du Plessis and Adriaan Strauss will be Meyer’s picks. They’re streets ahead of the rest and will be vying for the starting role. Scarra Ntubeni is the likely back-up, but then Robbie Coetzee was chosen to tour at the end of last year. Schalk Brits has also been part of Meyer’s squad in recent times.
Likely picks: Du Plessis, Strauss, Ntubeni, Coetzee
*The squad, to be named on Saturday afternoon, will train in Joburg next week before moving to Cape Town next weekend to prepare for the match against the World XV on July 11. The squad may be cut after the training camp.
Saturday Star