Dyantyi, Nkosi set for Bok debut against England

WINGS Aphiwe Dyantyi and Sibusiso Nkosi look set for Test debuts when the Springboks clash with England at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Bok coach Rassie Erasmus more than dropped a hint that that may be the case upon his return from Washington‚ while scrumhalf Faf de Klerk all but confirmed it when he addressed the media yesterday.

Dyantyi and Nkosi were spared the trip to Washington for the clash against Wales last week‚ which led to the assumption that they will see combat against England.

Both have impressed with ball in hand this season, with Dyantyi making an electrifying start to his Super Rugby career.

He scored five tries in his five matches before a pectoral muscle injury halted his season.

The impact he made in the first month or so, however‚ was enough to earn him a tick in the selector’s book.

Nkosi‚ who moved to Durban after matriculating in Johannesburg, represented the UKZN Impi in the Varsity Cup before earning a spot in the SA U20 squad.

He has impressed with his leg driving ball carries for the Sharks this season.

The wing pair represent the changing face in the Springbok set-up grizzled No 8 Duane Vermeulen referred to when he weighed up the current and previous Bok squads in which he had been involved.

“We’ve got wings and outside backs that are exciting – players South African rugby have missed. It is nice to watch‚” said Vermeulen yesterday.

The No 8 is hoping the Boks can now break the shackles that have inhibited them in recent seasons.

“We now have a completely different approach from the previous coaches I played under‚” he said.

“There are structures but we can also play running rugby. We have a lot coming. It is about how well we prepare from one week to the next.”

The series‚ which Vermeulen described as a pressure cooker‚ is likely to be decided at close quarters, and England coach Eddie Jones has repeatedly stressed the importance of his side facing up to the physical challenge the Boks are likely to lay down.

Vermeulen‚ who at some point was touted for the Bok captaincy reins‚ lauded the appointment of former teammate Siya Kolisi.

“He is a great choice. He’s a good leader. A lot of guys look up to him.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for him. He’s a guy that can inspire this group.” —