South Africans have been biting their nails in anxious anticipation for the series-decider taking place this Saturday at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium in which an epic finale between the Springboks and Wales will determine the Castle Lager Incoming Series champion.
The gees is in the air, the biltong is ready to be opened and our Bokke tops are freshly ironed for the game. So whether you’re a die-hard rugby fanatic or simply caught up in all the gees, all that’s left is to get to know our local players (after all, you may need some intel to impress during your post-match debates).
Damian Willemse
On-field:
Off-field:
- Place of birth: Strand
- Position: Fullback
- Number: 15
- Intel tip: In addition to being named ‘Man if the Match for his performance against Ulster, this 2019 World Cup winner currently plays for Western Province as well as the Stormers – with whom he won the Vodacom United Rugby Championship this year.
Cheslin Kolbe
On-field:
Off-field:
- Place of birth: Kraaifontein
- Position: Right-wing
- Number: 14
- Intel tip: This 2019 World Cup winner is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world. He has previously played for Toulouse in the Top14, the Stormers in Super Rugby, and Western Province in the Currie Cup.
Damian de Allende
On-field:
Off-field:
- Place of birth: Cape Town
- Position: Inside centre
- Number: 12
- Intel tip: This 2019 World Cup winner is known as one of the best defensive centres in the world. He made more runs (65) than any other Springbok during the World Cup.
Handrè Pollard
On-field:
Off-field:
- Place of birth: Somerset West
- Position: Flyhalf
- Number: 10
- Intel tip: This 2019 World Cup winner is an all-rounder player that can kick, pass, run and tackle. He even scored 22 points in the final, all after fracturing his eye socket during the game.
Pieter-Steph du Toit
On-field:
Off-field:
- Place of birth: Cape Town
- Position: Blindside flank
- Number: 7
- Intel tip: After winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup, he was awarded the 2019 World Cup Rugby Player of the Year. He also played his club rugby for the Stormers.
Eben Etzebeth
On-field:
Off-field:
- Place of birth: Cape Town
- Position: Lock
- Number: 4
- Intel tip: This 2019 World Cup winner will become the seventh and youngest player to reach 100 Test caps in this Saturday’s match.
Frans Malherbe
On-field:
Off-field:
- Place of birth: Paarl
- Position: Tighthead prop
- Number: 3
- Intel tip: This 2019 World Cup winner was schooled at Paarl Boys’ High and represented Western Province through age-group level before making his Stormers debut at the age of 20 in 2011. He currently has the third-most caps for the team.
Steven Kitshoff
On-field:
Off-field:
- Place of birth: Somerset West
- Position: Loosehead prop
- Number: 17
- Intel tip: This 2019 World Cup winner is an overwhelming force at the set piece in a front row that at times has featured the all-Springbok combination of hooker Scarra Ntubeni and tighthead Frans Malherbe. He also serves as the Stormers’ co-captain.
Willie le Roux
On-field:
Off-field:
- Place of birth: Stellenbosch
- Position: Utility back
- Number: 23
- Intel tip: This 2019 World Cup winner has won more than 50 caps for South Africa. He was dubbed ‘King of the Assists’ with 21 in the 2017 – 2018 Premiership league campaign.
For some bonus intel, meet the rest of the South African squad:
- Makazole Mapimpi
- Lukhanyo Am
- Jaden Hendrikse
- Siya Kolisi (captain)
- Jasper Wiese
- Lood de Jager
- Trevor Nyakane
- Bongi Mbonambi
- Malcom Marx
- Vincent Koch
- Franco Mostert
- Kwagga Smith
- Elrigh Louw
- Faf de Klerk
Now that you have everything you need to know, let’s back our guys in green and be #StrongerTogether. The game kicks off at 5.05 pm.
Also read:
5 Northern Suburbs bars to visit for that rugby ‘gees’ on Saturday
Picture: Unsplash
