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Springboks star to miss Wales game over visa issues
By Ian Cameron
Springboks star Sbu Nkosi is set to miss South Africa's Autumn Nations Seris showdown with Wales due to visa issues.
According to Rapport newspaper, while Nkosi does has a valid passport, but he doesn't have the requisite number of blank pages in it to be able to apply for a visa. The technicality means he is highly likely to be out of contention for selection against Wales.
The Cell C Sharks speedster - who has a reported 100-metre time of 10.59 seconds - has not joined the squad in Cardiff as a result.
“In terms of Sbu Nkosi, there are logistical issues that need clarifying and he will hopefully join us soon," said assistant coach Deon Davids. "He is not yet with the squad, but all the other players are with the squad.”
It's a blow for the Springboks, who are already without star winger Cheslin Kolbe, who is currently returning from injury. It's likely that head coach Jacques Nienaber will opt for talented young gun Aphelele Fassi to take his place in the starting 15.
The Springboks will face a Welsh side eager to restore some pride after they were routed 54 - 16 by the All Blacks at the weekend. Wayne Pivac's side have the added boost of seven players who have been released for the international window by their respective Gallagher Premiership sides.
After the Boks kick off their tour against Wales on November 6, they travel for matches in Edinburgh and London on consecutive weekends.
SPRINGBOKS SQUAD:
Forwards: Thomas du Toit, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Joseph Dweba, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Salmaan Moerat, Marvin Orie, Siya Kolisi, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Duane Vermeulen, Jasper Wiese, Franco Mostert. Backs: Herschel Jantjies, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, Elton Jantjies, Handré Pollard, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Aphelele Fassi, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Sbu Nkosi, Damian Willemse, Frans Steyn.
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Latest Comments
Think we have to accept we have been on the slide for a while now.Still interesting to see the repeated media pieces about the myth of the ABs slipping-I would say slipped past tense.In part don’t we have to give credit for the improvement of other nations particularly Ireland?Isnt that good for the game?Are we beginning to feel the impact of losing the Boks from Super rugby and maybe soon TRC?I would agree we are also ran right now so will be interesting to see how we progress-assuming we do!Isnt that part of sport though to be in improvement mode?Back to the stats though I think the Boks were under 60% leading into 2019?Now with the focus on the RWC does it matter so much what you are doing between tournaments?You just get through your group(remembering the ABs qualified 2nd in 2023)and then you have 3 matches to win the thing.
Go to commentsThe ABs have more than enough back line guys so don’t see issue there. Just the balance at center and feel time for Rieko to sit out.Forwards- balance still not right. Front row ok but miss Codie. But still ok. Locks- you now need to start s a tall timber at middle of lineout- Darry is the right guy. Then move Sititi to 8, move Ardie to 7 and then move Vaai to blindside. He can become the closest to PSdT . Then have proper bench as this is not a demotion but key to dominating last 30 minutes- Patrick, Ofa etc are golden here. Get the balance right between starters and finishers
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