Rugby
Rugby Championship: Erasmus faces selection headaches─── MORGAN PIEK 08:39 Tue, 23 Jul 2024
“The debutants were great, there were seven of them and four of them scored tries, it makes it interesting for us to now pick a squad.”
The Springbok coach, Rassie Erasmus, has conceded that there will be selection headaches for the upcoming Rugby Championship, and this is due to the solid debuts by the youngster against Portugal, while seasoned players will return from injury.
Erasmus is expected to name his squad on Tuesday for the competition which will see the four-time World Champions facing Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.
‘Numerous young players have come into contention’
Following the 14-man Springboks’ convincing 64-21 drubbing of Portugal in Bloemfontein on Saturday, numerous young players have come into contention and this just increased the competition and depth and the Boks build towards an unprecedented third straight Rugby World Cup title in 2027.
These headaches do, however, bring some very good news for the Boks as it means the return of players such as Pieter-Steph du Toit, Steven Kitshoff and Malcolm Marx from injury.
Erasmus expressed he is delighted about the rookies who were on debut against Portugal, and this will make things interesting going forward.
The replacement hooker, André-Hugo Venter, scored a try on debut in his home town. Photo: Morgan Piek
“We will have to juggle a few things and will give an injured player a little bit of game time when the opportunity is right. The debutants were great, there were seven of them and four of them scored tries, it makes it interesting for us to now pick a squad.
“I promised the whole squad that everybody would get a cap today, that was the plan and to give everyone at least 20 minutes and the way they rewarded us, giving them that chance, is unbelievable. I’m very proud.”
Erasmus added that experienced players will also return from suspension and injury. “There is a squad of 42 that is in and out at the moment but Jasper Wiese must still come back from suspension, and Damian Willemse must still come back too.
“Pieter-Steph du Toit and Steven Kitshoff have been cleared now and it looks like Malcolm Marx can only play the second game.”
On 10 August the Boks will open their Rugby Championship campaign against the Wallabies in Brisbane.
