Predicting Bok side to face Barbarians is all experimental

THE Springboks strike up their second alignment camp on Thursday, with Rassie Erasmus inviting 54 players to attend the Cape Town session as they build towards a 15-match schedule this year.

- MORGAN BOLTON

The Bok mentor has an interesting mix of talent to work with over the next few days both familiar and experimental.

With that in mind, and using the alignment squad as a framework, we look at who we believe Erasmus should select for the Boks’ first clash of the season a tour match against the Barbarians in Cape Town at the end of June...

Front row

Neethling Fouché, Vincent Koch, Wilco Louw, Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ox Nché, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels; Virtually invited: Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Marnus van der Merwe

Ntlabakanye has had a couple of solid seasons for the Lions; the burly tighthead prop developing a bit of a cult following at Ellis Park.

Earlier this year, former Bok Steven Kitshoff said of the 24-year-old: “He is probably one of the most dangerous front-rowers and, defensively, one of the biggest hitters in the game.... Scrummaging-wise, he has come a long way.”

Getting Ntlabakanye into green and gold could do wonders for his confidence after a tough year for his franchise.

He should pack down with Steenekamp at loosehead.

Although Wessels can slot in at hooker, his utility will be invaluable later this season.

Instead, Scarlets No 2 Van der Merwe, in a trial run, should start against the Baabaas.

Second row

Eben Etzebeth, Salmaan Moerat, Ruan Nortjé, Cobus Wiese; Virtually: Lood de Jager, Jean Kleyn, Franco Mostert, RG Snyman

Frankly, Etzebeth should not feature in the Incoming Tour matches against the Barbarians, Italy, and Georgia.