Would a South Africa-based Springbok side be ranked No 1 in the world?

The Springboks boast tremendous player depth, but how much of that ‘depth’ is playing their rugby in South Africa?

Coach Rassie Erasmus has spent years building depth with as many as three – or more – quality players ready to step up and start against anyone in any position.

A large contingent of key Springboks are currently plying their trade abroad.

SA Rugby has successfully managed to lure back several stars to South Africa over the last few seasons.

Let us take a look at how a locally-based Springboks XV would line up.

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WORLD-CLASS FRONT ROW AND QUALITY FORWARDS

In the front row there is no doubt that Ox Nche (Sharks), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks) and Wilco Louw (Bulls) or Frans Malherbe (Stormers) will pack down in a ferocious and world-class front row.

Thereafter, Eben Etzebeth (Sharks) and Ruan Nortje (Bulls) would start as the locks.

Siya Kolisi (Sharks) would captain the side where he would be joined by Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom (both Bulls) at seven and eight, respectively.

BRILLIANT BALANCE OF YOUTH AND EXPERIENCE AMONGS BOK BACKS

In the backline is where things get interesting with a large contingent of the Springboks’ first-choice backs based overseas.

At scrumhalf, you have to back the dynamic, elusive and speedy scrummy, Grant Williams. However, he is set to play his rugby in Japan next season. In that instance, you have to back Morne van den Berg (Lions) to start at No 9.

At flyhalf, you have got to back Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who had a fantastic season with the Springboks.

On the wings, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe will flank a powerful centre combination of Andre Esterhuizen and either Canan Moodie or Ethan Hooker.

At fullback, Damian Willemse would round off a very balanced, powerful and skilled locally based Springbok outfit.

First-choice players the Springboks who would miss due to them playing overseas, include: Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman and Jasper Wiese – among several others.

To note, currently both the All Blacks and England have a policy of not selecting overseas-based players.

LOCALLY-BASED SPRINGBOKS STARTING XV:

1. Ox Nche (Sharks)
2. Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks)
3. Wilco Louw (Bulls)
4. Eben Etzebeth (Sharks)
5. Ruan Nortje (Bulls)
6. Siya Kolisi (Sharks) – captain
7. Elrigh Louw (Bulls)
8. Cameron Hanekom (Bulls)
9. Grant Williams (Sharks) / Morne van den Berg (Lions)
10. Sacha-Feinberg Mngomezulu (Stormers)
11. Kurt-Lee Arendse
12. Andre Esterhuizen
13. Canan Moodie/ Ethan Hooker
14. Edwill van der Merwe (Lions)
15. Damien Willemse (Stormers)

Would a South Africa-based only Springbok side be No 1 in the World Rugby rankings?

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