Damian Willemse has been billed as the next Frans Steyn as a result of his versatility and could cover any number of positions in the backline. Elton Jantjies too has earned his place in the squad ahead of the more reliable Morne Steyn, likely the result of his adaptability.
The additional back on the bench means that more will be expected from the Springbok pack. During the World Cup, the ‘Bomb Squad’, as the six replacement forwards were known, ensured that the South Africans could maintain maximum pressure throughout the 80 minutes.
And though this has partially been walked back, the same mantra applies to the front row with Nienaber explaining his plans for the heavies up top.
“With the quality of front rowers we have available for selection, we almost see them as a pairing,” Nienaber said of the decision to select certain players to start and bench others.
“Is it more important to start and sing the anthem or be on the field when the final whistle goes? They know they work in tandem and have a specific role to play. The players understand that and have bought into it.”
Gatland is expected to name a 6-2 split on the bench, with Elliot Daly tasked with covering multiple rows. But with the Springbok team already named, and with Nienaber moving away from what worked so well in 2019, will the Lions coach deviate from his original plan?
