SINK OR SWIM

SPRINGBOK assistant coach Duane Vermeulen reckons there is no better time than a Test match against the All Blacks to see if South Africa’s young bucks will sink of swem.

The SA starting XV for Saturday’s second Rugby Championship match against New Zealand in Wellington sports seven changes to the one that lost in Auckland at the weekend.

Bok ysters Eben Etzebeth, Damian de Allende, Handre Pollard, Jesse Kriel and Willie le Roux were all dropped after the 24-17 defeat.

However, Vermeulen says he is excited to see what a new-look Bok span can do – especially the backline that sees Damian Willemse and Canan Moodie combining in the midfield against one of the most dangerous attacking teams in the world.

Vermeulen said from New Zealand on Tuesday: “Look, I hear what you are saying about a team also needing experience in these types of games, but last week we tried experience.

“That does not mean those guys are being thrown away, but they have reached a point and we still made a couple of mistakes.

“The other thing is, one has to start looking at the future. There are a lot of young guys who have put their hands up, and we must allow them to show their worth in the tough situations.

“This is a great opportunity for them to work together and give the coaches a chance at what they have.”

With rookie No.10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu picked to lead the attack, it will be vital to dominate up front. With experienced manne Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager and Malcolm Marx innie mix, Vermeulen added: “I think we have picked a lekker pack that can give us front-foot ball, and if you have that, then it gives this young backline an opportunity om lekker rugby te jol... ”