Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids has explained the call-ups of Stormers locks Ruben van Heerden and Adré Smith.
The pair joined the Bok training camp ahead of the international season.
The Springboks face the Barbarians after South Africa A take on Zimbabwe in a double-header at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.
Van Heerden was called up last week after Stormers teammate Salmaan Moerat withdrew with a neck injury, while Smith was added to the squad on Sunday.
None of the Vodacom Bulls players, including Bok lock Ruan Nortjé, are in camp as they prepare for Friday night’s Vodacom URC final against Leinster in Dublin.
South Africa’s lock stocks have been hit by injuries in recent months, prompting Rassie Erasmus and his coaching staff to explore their depth in the second row.
“Obviously it’s not the perfect scenario, especially when you lose so many locks and players to injury,” Davids told the media in Johannesburg on Monday.
“But in this environment it’s very important to adapt. We’ve learned over the years that we’ve got so many quality players in the country.
“Yes, it’s sad when a quality player gets injured and isn’t available to compete, but it’s also a good opportunity for other players to get exposure at this level.”
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Davids said Van Heerden and Smith were selected because they offer different skill sets and have developed a strong partnership at the Stormers.
“If we look at the lock depth within the team, we know Ruben is a player who has the ability to make good calls,” he said.
“With the absence of some experienced locks through injury, he can fulfil an important role there. He has shown at the Stormers that he can do that.
“Adré is more of a No 4 lock who brings physicality and grunt to the team. Based on what he has shown for the Stormers, we felt he could add value in that regard.
“Having him with Ruben, and then also a guy like Vincent Tshituka – who has played there before – available, ensures that if we do get injuries, we’ve got enough cover in that position to fulfil either the four or the five role.
“We’ve done the same with the other locks, looking at lock combinations.”
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The coach added that the newcomers – including several young players – had settled seamlessly into the Springbok environment.
“It’s been fantastic having the younger players mixing with the more experienced players. Through our alignment camps there is already a good understanding of what is expected.
“We do things together and learn from each other. It has been great to see the energy, enthusiasm and the way the players have connected and worked together.”
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Davids believes South Africa’s next generation is already close to Test level.
“The fundamentals are in place. There are one or two things we can improve, but they arrived here in good shape, with a willingness to be coached and to learn.
“They’ve adapted quickly and this week gives them another opportunity to improve and put themselves in a good position for Saturday.”
Photo: @Springboks/X
The post Why Stormers locks got Bok nod appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids has explained the call-ups of Stormers locks Ruben van Heerden and Adré Smith.
The post Why Stormers locks got Bok nod appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
