Springboks Legend Names the Player He Believes Should Replace Damian De Allende Against Wallabies
- Former Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff named the player he believes should fill Damian de Allende's inside centre role on Sunday
- De Allende was released from the Bok squad alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit ahead of the one-off Test against the Wallabies in Perth
- Kitshoff also flagged a key vulnerability Australia could exploit to disrupt the Springboks' attacking rhythm at Optus Stadium
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Former Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff has publicly backed Ethan Hooker to slot into the inside centre position for Sunday's one-off Test against Australia in Perth, following the release of Damian de Allende from the squad.
De Allende and flank Pieter-Steph du Toit were both granted time away from the touring group to spend with their families, reflecting the heavy workload both players have carried through the season so far.
Kitshoff's case for hooker at 12
Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, Kitshoff outlined his preferred selection for the vacant No 12 jersey.
"We'll definitely see Jesse Kriel [selected] as a more experienced outside centre. I'm not sure who's going to be at 12. I would love to see Ethan Hooker at 12," he said. "I think he's been amazing at wing for the Springboks."
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Hooker wore the Bok No 12 jersey during a Test in Turin last year, though he has been deployed on the left wing in each of his five Test appearances in 2025. Kitshoff also anticipates Cameron Hanekom coming into the starting XV at blindside flank to cover the lineout-jumping responsibilities.
Wallabies could target Springbok set-piece
The double World Cup winner raised a specific concern about how Australia may approach the contest at Optus Stadium. He warned that pressure on the lineout could disrupt South Africa's attacking patterns.
"If Australia really goes at the Springbok lineout, puts Malcolm [Marx] under pressure or, if Malcolm goes off, puts the second hooker under pressure, that's where the Springbok attack normally falls apart because they don't get into that rhythm," Kitshoff said.
Despite that concern, Kitshoff expects the Boks to lean on their well-established game plan.
"We'll probably look at playing set-piece to set-piece, getting a good scrum penalty, kicking the ball into the 22, creating a lineout maul and then, from there, getting the big ball-carriers like Jasper [Wiese] and Malcolm around the corner to make sure they can get front-foot ball and attack from there," he said.
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The Test in Perth kicks off on Sunday as South Africa look to continue their Rugby Championship campaign without two of their regular starters.
Springboks release two stars before Wallabies Test
Briefly News previously reported that Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed that two players left the touring squad ahead of the Wallabies clash on 27 September
Utility forward Pieter-Steph du Toit and centre Damian de Allende were released to spend time with their families after a demanding schedule.
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Source: Briefly News
