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Springbok Milestones Loom for Willemse and Kolbe Against England
Erasmus named a familiar lineup as Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse move to 50 Test caps and South Africa uses a five-forward bench.
- On Monday, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named an experienced squad for the inaugural Nations Championship opener against England in Johannesburg. Wing Cheslin Kolbe and full-back Damian Willemse will celebrate their 50th Test caps during Saturday's match.
- Captain Siya Kolisi leads the side at Ellis Park for the 72nd time, with Erasmus opting for tried combinations. The bench features a five-three forwards-backs split, including versatile centre Andre Esterhuizen, who can cover flanker positions.
- The starting lineup boasts 935 total Test caps, with lock Eben Etzebeth extending his Springbok record to 142 appearances. Manie Libbok starts at fly-half, flanked by playmakers Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende in the backline.
- Erasmus described England as a "quality outfit," noting they arrive in Johannesburg determined to compete. He emphasized the need for accuracy, stating South Africa must "convert the opportunities we create into points" to succeed.
- This Test marks the start of an inaugural competition pitting northern and southern hemisphere nations against each other. Following England, South Africa will host Scotland on July 11 in Pretoria and Wales in Durban seven days later.
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Radio France InternationaleReposted by 
Modern Ghana
Modern GhanaSpringbok milestones loom for Willemse and Kolbe against England
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 30%
C 50%
R 20%
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