Springbok Wing Options

The Springboks face the All Blacks in Wellington this weekend with a bit of a selection crisis on their hands after Makazole Mapimpi returned to South Africa through injury.

With the likes of Sbu Nkosi also nursing an injury while Ruan Combrinck is currently in Japan, Rassie Erasmus is left with just one specialist winger in his squad - Aphiwe Dyanti. 

We take a look at Erasmus' options: 

1. Jesse Kriel

Altough Kriel has spent the large majority of his test career in the 13 jerseys, he is more than option competent on the wing. 

The 24-year-old is the man tipped to wear the no.14 jersey against the All Blacks having started on the wing for the Springboks in the past and spent time at fullback for the Bulls.

His speed, physicality and ability under the ball means he should fill the void comfortably. 

2. Willie Le Roux

Le Roux is the most experienced outside back in the Springbok squad and despite being primarily a fullback has played more tests on the wing than any other player in the squad.

The experienced outside back has started in the no.15 jersey in all but one of the Springboks tests so far this year and moving him to the wing would cause further disruptions to the Boks back three.

If he were to start on the wing Cheslin Kolbe would likely get his first test start at fullback while Jesse Kriel is another option in that position.

3. Cheslin Kolbe

The Toulouse flyer joined the Springbok squad in Brisbane last week and made his debut off the bench against the Wallabies.

Despite his size, Kolbe has proved to be a solid defensive player in the Top14 but the step up to test rugby could be more testing, especially considering that he would face up against Waisake Naholo or Rieko Ioane.

4. Damian de Allende

A real bolter for the position this weekend with de Allende playing exclusively in the centre for both the Stormers and the Springboks.

However, the 100kg+ back would not be found wanting out wide. He has the speed for the position and with his strong ball carrying ability he could become a Julian Savea styled winger for the Boks.