The starting 15 to take on New Zealand on Saturday has been named today by Springbok coach, Peter de Villiers. The biggest surprise comes at number 8, where the coach has opted to start with Joe Van Niekerk ahead of Pierre Spies and Ryan Kankowski. Butch James comes back into the fly-half position in place of Frans Steyn. Some may say that the biggest ‘weakness’ in the Springbok backline will be centre Adi Jacobs. But looking at his opposite number from New Zealand, Conrad Smith, I do not think Jacobs will have many problems against Smith. Maybe against Australia when Jacobs will be up against Sterling Mortlock may we see some problems.

The battle in midfield between centres Jean de Villiers and Ma Nonu of New Zealand will be great to watch. Both are very big and strong men and love to run with the ball in hand. I think the game could be decided by these two great athletes. The return of Schalk Burger to the team will be much welcome especially since New Zealand will be missing their captain and star player, Richie McGaw. The lose of Richie could be a great advantage for the Springboks as one wonders how the All Blacks will fair without their captain.

The Springbok team in full is: Conrad Jantjes, Odwa Ndungane, Adi Jacobs, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Butch James, Ricky Januarie, Joe van Niekerk, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, CJ van der Linde, John Smit (capt.), Gurthro Steenkamp. Replacements: Bismark du Plessis, Brian Mujati, Andries Bekker, Luke Watson, Bolla Conradie, Frans Steyn, Percy Montgomery.

As much as I would love to see the Springboks win, I do not think they can do it on Saturday especially playing away from home. I predict New Zealand to win by 7 points. Nonetheless, good luck Springboks.

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