Historic Test Match as South Africa Faces Portugal in Bloemfontein

This Saturday, July 20, 2024, promises to mark a significant moment in rugby history as the South African national team, the Springboks, prepares to host Portugal in a one-off Test match at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

This encounter is remarkable for several reasons: it marks the inaugural meeting of these two national teams on the rugby field and sees South Africa appointing Salmaan Moerat as its new captain. Furthermore, the match will also be notable for featuring the first-ever female referee in a Springbok Test, Holly Davidson.

Moerat, who at 26 years old becomes the 66th captain of the Springboks, leads a squad that includes seven players who have never worn the national jersey in a match. Among these uncapped players are former Junior Springbok captain Phepsi Buthelezi (flank), hookers Johan Grobbelaar and Andre-Hugo Venter, as well as Jan-Hendrik Wessels (prop), Ruan Venter (loose forward), Morné van den Berg (scrumhalf), and Quan Horn (fullback), the latter of whom may make his Test debut from the bench.

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has publicly endorsed Moerat’s captaincy, highlighting his strong presence in the team and the respect he commands among his peers. “We fully believe that Salmaan will undertake this responsibility as he has done well with teams he previously captained,” Erasmus commented, signaling the trust placed in Moerat’s leadership skills.

Erasmus is treading a path of exploration with this match, employing a mix of seasoned champions and emerging talents against the narrative strength of the Wolves, as Portugal is commonly known. Despite this mix, the Springbok lineup includes eight players who have previously secured a World Cup title, while the experienced Trevor Nyakane is available as a strong substitute.

This match represents an opportunity for newcomers like Moerat, Buthelezi, Fassi, and their peers to establish themselves as contenders in South African rugby, particularly with an eye toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Buthelezi expressed gratitude for the mentorship he has received from established players such as Siya Kolisi and Kwagga Smith. “I’ve learned a lot from them during my time with the national team. Even though Siya leads the team, there are numerous influences among the group that contribute positively,” he noted, underscoring the supportive environment within the team.

While South Africa prepares to field a fresh roster, Erasmus has stressed the importance of not underestimating the Portuguese side, a team that has shown marked improvement in recent years. Notoriously, Portugal garnered global attention with their victory over Fiji during the last World Cup, showcasing their determination and talent.

Under the leadership of captain Tomas Appleton, who after recovering from a shoulder injury is set to return for the Test, Portugal has risen in the world rugby rankings, now sitting at 15th compared to 27th at the beginning of 2019. Appleton is acutely aware of the challenge posed by facing double World Champions like South Africa.

“It’s a monumental occasion for us as an emerging rugby nation,” Appleton stated. ‘Some of our players have idolized those in the Springboks, which provides extra motivation to showcase our skills and commitment on the field. We aim to surprise everyone with our performance.’

Os Lobos have established themselves as a dynamic attacking unit capable of scoring from various positions on the field. However, the match will likely hinge on the outcomes of the set-pieces where Portugal will face a formidable task against South Africa’s seasoned forwards.

When closely evaluating both teams, the Springboks’ depth and experience may present a significant challenge for Portugal despite their commendable progress and ambitious playstyle.

For South Africa, eyes will be on Moerat’s competence as a leader alongside his contributions during line-outs. Fassi, who has been in outstanding form, will aim to leverage his skills in collaboration with the experienced backs, Arendse and Mapimpi. Manie Libbok is also under pressure to perform, having faced criticism in the past, and this match could serve as a turning point for him as he steps out from under the shadow of Handre Pollard.

As for Portugal, the spotlight will fall on loosehead Francisco Fernandes, who will face one of South Africa’s most adept players in Thomas du Toit. Fernandes is a key player for Os Lobos and will need to step up his game to support the team’s ambitions. The Portuguese backline, enriched with talents like Simão Bento, Manuel Cardoso Pinto, and Rodrigo Marta, will be eager to display their skills and enhance their reputation on this grand stage.

As fans worldwide look forward to this historic clash in Bloemfontein, the Rugby community awaits to witness how this celebration of sport unfolds between two nations eager to prove themselves.