Springboks v Portugal: Starting teams and selections

Salmaan Moerat will lead the Springboks and become the 66th player to captain South Africa in a rugby test match against Portugal.

“I didn’t think it would happen (to be named captain) – I was surprised when I heard it but I’m extremely proud,” Moerat said

“I actually thought there was a typo next to my name when I saw the ‘c’, but when it was announced it was a special feeling. My family will be here for the game, which is going to be amazing.”

The 26-year-old Moerat said that while it will be a special milestone in his career, leading the Boks carries a much greater responsibility than taking charge on the field: “When you’re captain of the Springboks, you have to know that it’s not about you. It’s about the people who had that responsibility before you and those who will have the opportunity in the future.”

No easy task in the clash between Springboks and Portugal

Moerat admitted it was no easy task to follow in Kolisi’s footsteps but he appreciated the guidance the experienced Springbok skipper provided him this week.

“These are big shoes to fill – Siya is regarded around the world as an inspirational captain,” said Moerat.

“The first thing he said to me was congratulations, and he also said that it is a privilege that should not be taken lightly. His advice to me was to enjoy the opportunity and focus on my game, and the fact that we have so many experienced players in the squad will certainly make my job easier. But I also know that I can call him whenever I need guidance and assistance.”

Moerat, who comes from a deep-rooted rugby family, said it would be just as special for them if he ran onto the field at Toyota Stadium.

“My dad played rugby in the old SARU days and my uncles played rugby too, so it’s a great honour for them and for me to captain the Springboks,” he said.

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick was also full of praise for the hard-working lock and the seven players making their Test debuts, saying: “I’ve watched Salmaan develop as a player from his early days in the SA Rugby structures and I’ve coached him at the Junior Springboks, and I saw this coming. Given the number of teams he’s captained, I know he’s ready for this opportunity.”

The tourists

Portugal coach Simon Mannix has made a number of changes to his team, which beat Namibia in Windhoek last week, ahead of the eagerly anticipated Test match against the Springboks in Bloemfontein on Saturday. Tomas Appleton has been named captain of the visiting side.

Appleton takes over the captaincy from Nicolas Martins, who was part of the squad that defeated Namibia 37-22.

Martins is replaced at scrum by Diego Pinheiro, while Vasco Baptista takes over from Joao Granate at number 8. At lock, Nicolas Fernandes replaces Antonio Rebelo Andrade, who moves to the bench.

Mannix has also made a few adjustments to the backline, with Joris Moura starting at flyhalf and Simao Bento at fullback, while Manuel Cardoso Pinto will play on the wing after wearing the number 15 shirt last week.

Starting teams and selections

South Africa: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Manie Libbok, Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 RG Snyman, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Replacements: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Ruan Venter, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Morné van den Berg, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Quan Horn.

Portugal: 15 Simao Bento, 14 Manuel Cardoso Pinto, 13 Jose Lima, 12 Tomas Appleton (captain), 11 Rodrigo Marta, 10 Joris Moura, 9 Hugo Camacho, 8 Vasco Baptista, 7 Diego Pinheiro, 6 Jose Madeira, 5 Duarte Torgal, 4 Nicolas Fernandes, 3 Diogo Hasse Ferreira, 2 Luka Begic, 1 Francisco Fernandes.
Replacements: 16 David Costa, 17 Pedro Vicente, 18 Abel da Cunha, Antonio Rebelo Andrade, 20 Andre Cunha, 21 Pedro Lucas, 22 Domingos Cabral, 23 Jose Paiva dos Santos.

Date: Saturday July 20
Location: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 5:00 p.m. (4:00 p.m. Portuguese time; 3:00 p.m. GMT)
Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Craig Evans (Wales), Mike Adamson (Scotland)
TMO: Andrew McMenemy (Scotland)

Who will win?

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