Siya Kolisi says the Springboks are wise to the Wallabies’ decision to go for a six-two split on the bench in an attempt to match the imperious South African pack. DYLAN JACK reports.
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie this week replicated the tactic made famous by the Boks when he loaded Australia’s bench with six forwards for the clash between the teams in Adelaide on Saturday. Loose forward Rob Leota, who can also play at lock, has been called up to take his place among the replacements.
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The Springboks, however, have doubled back by opting for a five-three split, as returning veterans Elton Jantjies and Frans Steyn will provide extra cover for the backline.
“A lot of people have had a lot to say about us doing it,” said Kolisi on the six-two split. “They are stating their intentions about what they want to do. It’s going to be a tough set-piece battle. [The six-two split] works. It works.
“We are trying something new this week, but you can also see their intention that their forwards are also going to be trying to throw themselves in as many battles as they can, before giving the next guys an opportunity. We are looking forward to facing that tomorrow.”
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Kolisi will once again complete the back row unit that won the 2019 World Cup alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit and Duane Vermeulen.
The trio started together for the first time since the World Cup final, against the All Blacks at Ellis Park, but Vermeulen went off after playing around 30 minutes on his return from injury.
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“We are getting better, myself, Pieter and Duane,” explained Kolisi. “It’s always great to play alongside them and connect with them. We know each other very well. It’s all about the battles. That’s all that matters. We want to be involved in as many battles as possible and give everything we can so that when guys like Kwagga come in, they bring the extra energy, which they always do.
“We are looking forward to getting another opportunity together and hopefully we can influence the game a whole lot more.”
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