SARugbymag.co.za readers have had their say and want to see the Springboks start Cheslin Kolbe at fullback in their European Tour opener against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.
The world champions kick off their four-Test tour against the world’s top-ranked team at a sold-out Aviva Stadium.
While the majority of the Bok squad is settled, Rassie Erasmus has a few calls to consider before the match-day 23 is announced on Tuesday afternoon.
The return to the squad of fit-again Kolbe will have the Bok coaches scratching their heads over the back-three combination. Kolbe has not played a Test since suffering a jaw injury against Wales in Cape Town, with Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie both taking their opportunities to shine in the No 14 jersey in his absence.
MORE: Rassie tempted to stick Kolbe at 15
A poll run by this website asked readers to make the big calls for the match-day 23 for this weekend’s clash and the majority want to see Kolbe start a Test match in the No 15 jersey for the first time.
More than 66% voted for the Toulon-based dazzler to start at fullback, where he regularly features for French giants Toulon and has previously played for former club Toulouse.
Meanwhile, 62% of readers want to see the Springboks unleash the famed Bomb Squad on the Irish, and an overwhelming 87% voted for Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx and Frans Malherbe to form the starting front row.
In the final big call in the starting lineup, 74% voted for Jaden Hendrikse to start ahead of Faf de Klerk at scrumhalf.
Photo: PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP
