Former Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff has picked the player he wants to replace Damian de Allende at inside centre for Sunday’s one-off Test against the Wallabies in Perth.
De Allende and flank Pieter-Steph du Toit have been released from the Bok squad to get some down time with their families after a heavy workload so far this season.
Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, Kitshoff made it clear who he believes will suit De Allende’s role perfectly.
“We’ll definitely see Jesse Kriel [selected] as a more experienced outside centre. I’m not sure who’s going to be at 12. I would love to see Ethan Hooker at 12,” Kitshoff said. “I think he’s been amazing at wing for the Springboks.”
Hooker wore the Bok No 12 jersey in Turin last year, but has started on the left wing in his five Test appearances this year.
Kitshoff also expects Cameron Hanekom to come into the starting lineup at blindside flank “just to fill the lineout-jumping option”.
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The double World Cup winner believes the Wallabies could target the Boks at the set-piece.
“If Australia really goes at the Springbok lineout, puts Malcolm [Marx] under pressure or, if Malcolm goes off, puts the second hooker under pressure, that’s where the Springbok attack normally falls apart because they don’t get into that rhythm,” he said.
However, Kitshoff still believes the Boks’ traditional strengths will be evident at Optus Stadium.
“We’ll probably look at playing set-piece to set-piece, getting a good scrum penalty, kicking the ball into the 22, creating a lineout maul and then, from there, getting the big ball-carriers like Jasper [Wiese] and Malcolm around the corner to make sure they can get front-foot ball and attack from there,” he said.
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Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images
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Former Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff has picked the player he wants to replace Damian de Allende at inside centre for Sunday’s one-off Test against the Wallabies in Perth.
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