In anticipation of the first clash of 2022 between the Springboks and All Blacks in the Republic, DEVIN HERMANUS previews the looming back-three battle.
Damian Willemse vs Jordie Barrett
Blessed with big boots and oodles of gamebreaking nous, the tussle of the fullbacks can set the attacking tone for the showdown between two of rugby’s oldest rivals.
Willemse showcased his immense talent and versatility in the Wales series when he combined clutch goal-kicking with assertive defence, while popping up at first receiver on attack where his quick feet dictated terms in contact.
Unreal scenes at Loftus Versfeld ?
The Springboks complete the comeback and win the match with a last-gasp penalty after the hooter from Damian Willemse.
?? 32-29 ??????? pic.twitter.com/ItLqMLdSEb
— SuperSport ? (@SuperSportTV) July 2, 2022
Damian Willemse landing a big hit on Williams ? #RSAvWAL pic.twitter.com/v2a8Xq6ey5
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) July 16, 2022
Barrett was one of the few All Blacks to save face in the historic defeat by Ireland in New Zealand, the Kiwi No 15 scoring a try and kicking 23 points in the three-Test series.
Jordie Barrett gets us off the mark in 2022 ?#NZLvIRE pic.twitter.com/HJK9efey7u
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 2, 2022
Makazole Mapimpi vs Will Jordan
Mapimpi had a quiet series against Wales by his usual influential standards, yet the tireless left wing remains one the Boks’ most lethal attacking weapons in the wide channels.
The 2019 World Cup hero can add to his tally of 20 tries in the green and gold with a blistering effort against the Kiwis, whom he scored against in SA’s 31-29 victory Down Under last year.
After being forced to miss the All Blacks’ opening win over Ireland due to a positive PCR test, Jordan bagged two tries in subsequent losses that showcased why the deadly right wing was named the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2021.
Will Jordan really said ??
We’re in for a box office finish here, Ireland lead the All Blacks 32-22 with 10 to go!
? Stream live: https://t.co/0BMWdennut pic.twitter.com/l62BiRWCOB
— SuperSport ? (@SuperSportTV) July 16, 2022
Kurt-Lee Arendse vs Sevu Reece
Arendse ticks all the right boxes to replace the injured Cheslin Kolbe for what will be the one-Test-cap speedster’s first meeting with the three-time world champions.
The fleet-footed former Blitzbok is the odds-on favourite to don the No 14 jersey in Nelspruit, where his electrifying side-stepping, acceleration and brave defence can surprise the Kiwis.
Action man Kurt Lee Arendse bringing that energy ?⚡️#SAvWAL #StrongerTogether #StrongerForever #CastleIncomingSeries pic.twitter.com/1dhQvUVCgH
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 15, 2022
But, Reece has the pace and panache to match any opponent, and his breakaway try to stun the Irish in Auckland was a poacher’s finish which has become a hallmark of his game.
Sevu Reece ?
? @skysportnz #NZLvIRE pic.twitter.com/BYrFw7v7eB
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 2, 2022
