sport news Faf de Klerk gives lowdown on his team-mates as world champions South Africa ...

sport news Faf de Klerk gives lowdown on his team-mates as world champions South Africa ...
sport news Faf de Klerk gives lowdown on his team-mates as world champions South Africa ...

World champions South Africa are preparing to face England at Twickenham on Saturday in a rematch of the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, which the Springboks won 32-12 in a brutal display of forward dominance. 

There are several new faces in the starting XV from the side that defeated Eddie Jones' men two years ago. 

So, injured scrum-half Faf de Klerk has given Sportsmail the ultimate lowdown on his team-mates, picking out the hunter, the future politician... and the party animal! 

As South Africa prepare to face England at Twickenham on Saturday, injured scrum half Faf de Klerk (pictured, centre) has given Sportsmail the ultimate lowdown on all his team-mates

As South Africa prepare to face England at Twickenham on Saturday, injured scrum half Faf de Klerk (pictured, centre) has given Sportsmail the ultimate lowdown on all his team-mates

1 Ox Nche

His real name is Retshegofaditswe, so Ox for short! He's been playing great rugby since the Beast Tendai Mtawarira retired. He loves a good scrum, and gets underneath folks at the set-piece as he's only 5ft 8in.

2 Bongi Mbonambi

Everybody loves Bongi. I've known him since playing for the Blue Bulls Under-16 team. He was born in Bethlehem, Free State, and is very Christian. His work-ethic is amazing and he loves a physical challenge, but is soft at heart.

3 Trevor Nyakane

Stuck his tongue out when he won penalties against the Lions — now it's become a trademark! He's phenomenal at scrum time. He's the life and soul of the party and has funny dance moves! Trevor and Bongi are like twins — always together.

'Ox' Nche is so nicknamed because his real name is Retshegofaditswe - he's a fine scrummager

'Ox' Nche is so nicknamed because his real name is Retshegofaditswe - he's a fine scrummager

4 Eben Etzebeth

Eben is the most capped player in the side with 95 Boks appearances. His family were champion wrestlers. He has a lot of respect among us — he's not just an enforcer but a massive family guy.

5 Lood de Jager

Lives in Altrincham — Alty! — so we don't see a lot of Lood at Sale. His kid keeps him busy when he's not in the club, as he's straight to daddy duties. Great tactician and a lineout specialist who brings a lot of physicality.

6 Siya Kolisi

I saw him signing someone's budgie smugglers in Scotland; they're similar to the pair I wore when we won the World Cup. I got tagged in all the videos! He always says we're playing for much more than ourselves and he plays with that in his heart. 

He takes a lot of pressure off us by taking a lot on his shoulders. He found that difficult initially but he's

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