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Faf de Klerk holds huge importance for South Africa with no back-up scrum half in the squad <\/p>\n
While the decision has worked in the past, there is undoubtedly an element of playing with fire from the Springboks. Le Roux is a world-class full back and can comfortably play on the wing, while a backline reshuffle with the available players could solve any issues at fly half or centre.<\/p>\n
But starting No 9 Faf de Klerk is the only scrum half in the squad and any sort of injury to the man with the flowing blond hair could leave South Africa in a bind. Nienaber again played down the issue and highlighted Cheslin Kolbe\u2019s similar role in sevens as a solution to that hypothetical.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs coaches you always mitigate risk by prepping other people,\u201d said Nienaber. \u201cIn our case it will be Cheslin. He played sweeper in sevens which is the equivalent to scrum half. He has always been a guy who, if we got a yellow card, would be the stand in half-back, not just this week but for a couple of weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n
De Klerk also highlighted replacement flanker Kwagga Smith \u2013 another man with sevens experience \u2013 as a solution but any sort of extended period with Kolbe or Smith at No 9 feels like a World Cup-losing recipe.<\/p>\n
The other main notable call in the Springbok team selection was Handre Pollard getting the nod over Manie Libbok at fly half. Given Libbok\u2019s early substitution during the semi-final after struggling to execute the kicking game \u2013 and similarly rainy weather expected at the Stade de France on Saturday evening \u2013 the choice of Pollard, who led his side to victory off the bench, is not a huge surprise, although Libbok is unlucky to miss out on the matchday 23 entirely.<\/p>\n
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Handre Pollard kicked the winning penalty in the semi-final <\/p>\n
The ability to bring an almost entirely new pack off the bench \u2013 their patented \u2018bomb squad\u2019 \u2013 in a World Cup final certainly plays into the Springboks rugby philosophy of physicality and domination up front. It couldn\u2019t turn the tide against Ireland in the pool stage but it is the boldest of calls befitting the grandest of stages.<\/p>\n
No one said you win a World Cup by being timid and sometimes in sport, fortune does favour the brave. <\/p>\n