Boks to unleash the big bruisers

The Springboks are backing their big men on the bench to make a huge impact when they come on in the second-half of their much-anticipated encounter against Ireland at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

- Ross Roche

It is a meeting between the top two ranked teams in world rugby, the double world champion Boks and double Six Nations champs Ireland, and an explosive clash is expected.

The Boks have named a six-two split of forwards to backs on their bench, although coach Rassie Erasmus hinted that he might make it a seven-one split later this week.

Of his six forwards Erasmus has gone with three front rankers, two locks and a loose forward, explaining the importance of the tight-five, while he is also happy with the utility value of flank Marco van Staden.