Handre Pollard returns to flyhalf for the Boks’ must-win match against Tonga in the 2023 Rugby World Cup on Sunday, as chosen by SARugbymag.co.za readers.
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Readers voted Bongi Mbonambi (9%) as the only tight forward to retain his spot from the team that went down to Ireland on Saturday, slotting in between props Ox Nche (10%) and Trevor Nyakane (8%).
Eben Etzebeth (8%) and Franco Mostert (4%) make way for the Munster duo of RG Snyman (11%) and Jean Kleyn (11%), who readers picked to man the second row.
Readers chose a versatile back row, voting for the return of No 8 Duane Vermeulen (26%), who joins flankers Kwagga Smith (20%) and Marco van Staden (17%).
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There was no doubt around Pollard’s (41%) inclusion, as readers promptly voted for the veteran playmaker to take over from Manie Libbok (7%) at flyhalf, completing the halfback pairing alongside Grant Williams (20%), who replaces Faf de Klerk (9%).
Readers voted in a new centre pairing to man the midfield, as Andre Esterhuizen (43%) and Canan Moodie (37%) replace Damian de Allende (7%) and Jesse Kriel (7%).
Winger Kurt-Lee Arende (23%) retains his spot in the back three, joining returning fullback Willie le Roux (21%) and Makazole Mapimpi (23%).
Photo: EPA/Facundo Arrizabalaga