England fans are fearing another scrum ordeal at the hands of the mighty Springboks, but Sale have faith in Bevan Rodd — their rookie prop who is gearing up for a brush with the 'Bomb Squad'.
The 21-year-old loosehead only made his Test debut last weekend and now he is about to face the ultimate front-row assignment. South Africa have two heavyweight units which they deploy to devastating effect.
Rodd must somehow stand his ground at Twickenham on Saturday when his ability to survive a set-piece onslaught will go a long way to deciding the outcome.
England prop Bevan Rodd has been backed to take another step forward against South Africa
Rodd will take on Trevor Nyakane (left) first before Vincent Koch (right) and the Bomb Squad
The opponents lying in wait are formidable. First off, Rodd will have to lock horns with Trevor Nyakane, the veteran 19st Bok tighthead. He will be joined by hooker Bongi Mbonambi and Ox Nche in the No 1 shirt.
Around half-time, South Africa will unleash the 'Bomb Squad' front-rowers; so Rodd is set to find himself up against Vincent Koch of Saracens, as well as the renowned Malcolm Marx and Steven Kitshoff.
Ellis Genge is laid low with Covid, Joe Marler is also still in isolation and Mako Vunipola is out of favour, so the onus is on the rookie Shark to stay afloat in treacherous international waters. There will be fears of a mismatch, but Rodd's club have seen him make giant strides since breaking through at senior level a year ago, and they believe he can handle the occasion.
'Bevan has met all the challenges put before him,' said Dorian West, forwards coach at Sale. 'People would have been unsure last week about him starting his first game for England against Australia — up against a very experienced prop at tighthead for them. But when you look back at it, he did really well.
'He's up against a different proposition this week with the Boks having two really good tightheads. But he's learning on the job, he's done really well and this is another step on the ladder for him.
The 21-year-old loosehead only made his Test debut against Australia last weekend
'Bevan's all-round game is as good as any other loosehead
