The return of two experienced campaigners has eased Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ concerns over the team’s lock depth.
Erasmus admitted injuries to RG Snyman, Ruan Venter, Jean Kleyn and Salmaan Moerat had stretched resources, but confirmed that Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager are fit and available again.
Moerat was this week replaced in the Bok camp by Stormers teammate Ruben van Heerden, while Erasmus can also call on Cobus Wiese and Ruan Nortjé, who is currently with the Bulls.
“It’s never really been the age profile that worries us,” Erasmus said at a media conference on Thursday.
“If a player is performing, getting over the advantage line, making tackles and winning lineouts, then age doesn’t matter.”
Erasmus said players only become too old when “your body is breaking down” or “you can’t get over the advantage line, or can’t lift in the lineout, tackle or can’t give us the battle rates that we want”.
MORE: Rassie plays down Bok injury concerns
He pointed to fellow veteran Franco Mostert as an example.
“I really don’t think that with a guy like Franco, age will influence the way he’s playing.”
Erasmus did, however, lament the long-term absence of Snyman.
“RG was always the guy who made the match 23, either starting or giving us some impact.”
Commenting on the injured locks, Erasmus said: “Jean was a nice backup, although he won’t always be in the match 23.
“Salmaan is out for a long time, I think. He’s got a neck injury.
“The Lions were willing to help us by playing [flank] Ruan Venter at lock and we were really excited by him. He’s out for a long time [after knee surgery].”
MORE: ‘Winning will always remain our priority’
Asked about Junior Boks captain Riley Norton, who was also invited to the Bok camp, Erasmus was full of praise for the youngster.
“Riley has a maturity about him. Coming into the Springbok setup as a young player, he’s not overawed at all.
“There’s an aura around him. He understands what professional rugby is about and that’s one of the reasons he’s such a strong leader for the Junior Boks.”
Despite the injuries, Erasmus believes the overall picture is far healthier than many assume.
“Of all the locks we’ve spoken about, only RG is really out for the whole season,” he said.
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
The post Rassie allays Bok lock fears appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The return to fitness of two experienced campaigners has eased coach Rassie Erasmus’ concerns around the Springboks’ lock depth.
The post Rassie allays Bok lock fears appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
