So who are some of the new faces bringing their skills – and maybe the element of surprise – to the 2016 Under Armour Series?
Warren Whiteley
Together with new back row partner Teboho Mohoje, Golden Lions skipper Warren Whiteley plays an integral role in a much-changed set of South African loose forwards. Noted for his extraordinary work-rate, Whiteley is a latecomer to Test rugby with his debut against Australia in September 2014 coming at the age of 27.
One of those forwards who always seems to be in the right place, Whiteley made a match-leading 11 tackles as South Africa were swept away 41-13 by New Zealand last weekend.
Whiteley is also one of South Africa’s main attacking threats, scoring two tries in this year’s Rugby Championship, one each against Australia and Argentina.
For a big No 8, Whiteley has soft hands and is expert at the subtle offload but also relishes making the hard yards and putting in the tackles too. He might be new to the theatre of Test rugby, but Whiteley has already shown he has what it takes.
Pieter-Steph du Tiot
A classic South African forward; granite-like in defence, abrasive in attack, and as capable as smashing his man back in the tackle as he is offloading deftly in contact. The versatile Stormers player can pack down at blindside flanker or lock, but recently South Africa coach Allister Coetzee has been using the bruising Du Toit in his pack’s engine room, alongside the equally fierce Eben Etzebeth.
Anyone able to displace Lood de Jager from the number five jersey must be capable of bringing big carries and athleticism to the Springboks pack, complementing Etzebeth’s rumbling style. Du Toit has that ability, often deployed as the first strike runner.
And he can defended as well. In the away fixture against Australia, Du Toit made 11 tackles, more than any Bok, and averages over six tackles every match.
Johan Goosen
If Elton Jantjies didn’t hold the number 10 jersey, Racing 92’s Johan Goosen could have been the man pulling the strings at fly-half. Instead, the versatile back is South Africa’s main strike runner from deep.
No Springbok has made more yards this Rugby Championship, with the full-back making 81 metres against Australia and another 80 against Argentina at home, beating nine defenders so far in the series.
Add his try-scoring prowess (he touched down against Argentina in Nelspruit), reliability under the high ball and ability to kick for real distance to the mix and South Africa have a real threat at 15. Injury had impeded Goosen’s progression but he’s back with a bang – watch out for potential fireworks.
Under Armour Series tickets are available from www.wru.wales/tickets, starting from £20.
