Rassie Erasmus makes big changes to Springboks team
Rassie Erasmus makes big changes to the Springboks’ starting lineup ahead of the next test.
Erasmus has made a significant change to his Springboks squad ahead of their Autumn Nations Series clash against Wales at the Principality Stadium. The coach has reshuffled the front row, deciding to rest in-form loosehead prop Ox Nche despite him being fit to play. Nche had sustained a cut above his knee during the match against England, which cut his game short. Erasmus has opted to give him a break to ensure he’s fully rested for upcoming fixtures.
Despite Nche’s fitness, Erasmus and his coaching staff have decided it’s best to rest the key player. “Ox has been a key player for us this season and, given his high work-rate over the last few months, we opted to rest him for this clash,” Erasmus explained. Wilco Louw will take Nche’s place in the starting lineup, earning his second cap of the year after his previous appearance in 2021. Erasmus also confirmed that Thomas du Toit, initially set to start as the tighthead prop, will now shift to loosehead, with Johan Grobbelaar filling the gap in between.
Strategic front row shuffle to maintain consistency
Erasmus revealed that the reshuffle makes sense for maintaining consistency. “Wilco started last week’s match, and he’s been training well this week, so it makes sense to include him in the starting team and move Thomas to loosehead prop,” Erasmus said. The coach added that this adjustment also keeps the consistency of the front-row replacements intact. The team believes the reshuffle provides balance while giving Nche the rest he needs after his demanding season.
In another important move, Erasmus confirmed that five players have been released from the squad to return home and spend time with their families. Pieter-Steph du Toit, nursing a shoulder issue, returned on Monday, while Kwagga Smith, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, and Makazole Mapimpi were also granted time off. Erasmus emphasised that this decision gives players a chance to recharge while ensuring squad depth. “We gave a few players who are not playing the option to remain in camp or return home to spend quality time with their families, while at the same time ensuring that we have enough depth in the squad to cover all the positions in case we suffer injuries before the match,” Erasmus said.
Springboks’ final lineup for Wales: Full team and kick-off details
The Springboks’ final team for the match against Wales sees some crucial changes in the pack, but the backline remains strong with players like Cheslin Kolbe and Damian de Allende. The match is set for Saturday, November 23, at 19:40 (SA Time) at the Principality Stadium.
South Africa’s starting XV:
15. Aphelele Fassi
14. Cheslin Kolbe
13. Jesse Kriel
12. Damian de Allende
11. Kurt-Lee Arendse
10. Jordan Hendrikse
9. Jaden Hendrikse
8. Jasper Wiese
7. Elrigh Louw
6. Siya Kolisi (captain)
5. Franco Mostert
4. Jean Kleyn
3. Wilco Louw
2. Johan Grobbelaar
Thomas du Toit
Replacements:
16. Malcolm Marx
17. Gerhard Steenekamp
18. Vincent Koch
19. Eben Etzebeth
20. RG Snyman
21. Cameron Hanekom
22. Cobus Reinach
23. Handre Pollard
Everything you need to know about the match
The highly anticipated match will be officiated by referee Karl Dickson, with assistant referees Christophe Ridley and Damian Schneider. The TMO will be Andrew Jackson, ensuring smooth execution of the game. Fans are eager to see how the Springboks will fare against Wales in this crucial encounter as part of the Autumn Nations Series.
With strategic changes to the front row and a few players granted time to recover, Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks are preparing for a critical test against Wales. The front-row reshuffle, alongside the release of several key players, reflects a well-balanced approach as they aim to continue their dominance in the Autumn Nations Series. All eyes will be on the Springboks as they seek to extend their strong performances into this vital clash.
Stay tuned with The South African as Rassie Erasmus makes big changes to the Springboks.
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