Springbok boss Rassie Erasmus is excited with the team of emerging talent and seasoned campaigners for Saturday’s Nations Championship showdown in Durban.
Winger Jaco Williams, flyhalf Vusi Moyo, lock Ruben van Heerden and prop Carlü Sadie will all make their Bok debuts, while hooker André Hugo-Venter and scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies return to the match 23 among the replacements when the world champions face Wales at Kings Park.
“We told the players from the start of the season that if everything played out well, we would give everyone in the squad a chance to play in the competition,” said Erasmus.
“We are excited to see what the uncapped players, as well as those who have not been in the mix for a while, bring to the team.
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“This squad shows an exciting mix of youth and experience, and while we are under no illusions about the threat Wales pose, we are looking forward to seeing what these players can do.
“Wales put up a good fight in their Six Nations matches against Scotland and Ireland, and they defeated Italy in their final match of the tournament.
“They also beat Fiji in the Nations Championship before going down against Argentina in a competitive match last week, so they are on the rise and will come out with a point to prove this weekend.”
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Moyo takes the No 10 jersey alongside experienced scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, while Williams lines up in the back three with fellow wing Kurt-Lee Arendse and Aphelele Fassi.
Up front, tighthead prop Sadie packs down alongside Gerhard Steenekamp and hooker Malcolm Marx, with Van Heerden to partner Cobus Wiese in the second row. Two-time World Cup winner and World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit leads the team again.
Erasmus was thrilled to see the four uncapped players rewarded for their form, having waited patiently for their opportunity.
“They all played very well for their franchises this season, and have been working extremely hard at training, while waiting patiently for a chance to play, so we are delighted for them,” he said.
“Building squad depth has always been one of our pillars since 2018, and to have such an exciting group of players coming through is fantastic as we continue to build our squad for the future.
“We have full faith in their abilities, and I’m sure the senior guys around them will assist in keeping them calm on the field, so they can show the talent that earned them a place in the squad.
“Hopefully, we can make it a memorable occasion for them and our loyal supporters this weekend.”
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Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The post Rassie: We got the mix to match Wales threat appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Springbok boss Rassie Erasmus is excited with the team of emerging talent and seasoned campaigners for Saturday’s Nations Championship showdown in Durban.
The post Rassie: We got the mix to match Wales threat appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
