Who will replace Kolisi, Ox for Springboks?

On Monday, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed that both Siya Kolisi (hamstring strain) and Ox Nche (knee injury) were in doubt for this Saturday’s opening Test in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand.

Although that perhaps does leave the door open for at least one of them to be declared available, the Springboks have a strict policy that all players must be fit at the start of the week in order to be considered for selection.

It means that in all likelihood both Kolisi and Nche will not be in the matchday 23 this week.

So where does that leave the Springboks?

In the absence of Kolisi, Erasmus really has a straight choice between experienced Marco van Staden and in-form youngster Paul de Villiers.

Both are out-and-out openside flanks, but considering that De Villiers was arguably the most impressive Springbok performer whenever he took to the field during the July internationals, it would be no surprise to see the 23-year-old claim the No 6 jersey. The experience of Van Staden could then always be the insurance policy on the bench.

When it comes to the captaincy, Pieter-Steph du Toit is likely to continue standing in as the skipper, although Eben Etzebeth and Jesse Kriel also provide capable leadership options.

When it comes to Nche, whose absence is a huge blow for the Springboks, there are quite a few options for the coaches to consider.

Gerhard Steenekamp is probably a frontrunner to start, but serious consideration may also be given to switching Thomas du Toit back to loosehead, where he is more than comfortable.

Then there is also Boan Venter, who has been the starting pick in his last six Tests when he has featured for the Springboks.

How we think the Boks will line up

SPRINGBOKS (probable) – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (c), 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Thomas du Toit.

Subs: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Marco van Staden, 21 Cameron Hanekom, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

Kick off on Saturday is at 17:10.