Springboks vs Wallabies: High-stakes opener to set tone

AS THE Springboks prepare to kick off their Rugby Championship title defence against Australia at Ellis Park this Saturday, head coach Rassie Erasmus finds himself navigating some complex choices that could significantly influence the outcome of the match.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

Among the most pressing questions is whether to deploy his infamous Bomb Squad - a potent bench packed with impact players capable of turning the tide in the second half.

For the Bok guru, there are several positions he would’ve thought long and hard about ahead of naming his team on Tuesday.

A Bomb or Nuke squad bench is the first to weigh up. Then, there’s the eighth man position with Jasper Wiese still suspended. Wilco Louw and veteran Vincent Koch are in line for the tighthead jersey; however, youngster Asenathi Ntlabakanye also put his hand up in the midyear matches.