Former Springbok lock Bakkies Botha insists the world champions have enough options to cope with their second-row injury crisis.
Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, RG Snyman, Franco Mostert, Jean Kleyn, Salmaan Moerat and Riley Norton are all currently sidelined, forcing coach Rassie Erasmus to reshuffle his resources.
Pieter-Steph du Toit moved back to lock for the Boks’ opening Nations Championship match against England at Ellis Park, before Cobus Wiese wore the No 4 jersey against Scotland at Ellis Park. Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden is set to make his Test debut against Wales at Kings Park on Saturday.
Speaking at the announcement of Castle Double Malt as title sponsor of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, Botha joked he was ready to help out.
“I’m so excited I brought my togs with me,” the 2007 World Cup winner quipped. “I see the lock position is a bit thin, so I’m available for the first 20 minutes.”
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Botha, though, believes the Boks are well equipped to deal with the injuries.
“The game has changed so much,” he said. “How long was it since Pieter-Steph du Toit last played lock? But he came back for Eben, as captain and No 4 lock, and he produced a massive game against England.
“I think lock is no longer a specialised position. No 7 [blindside flank] can play No 5, No 5 can play No 4. It’s so versatile that flanks can play lock and locks can play flank.
“We’ve been talking about hybrid players over the last couple of years; I call a player a hybrid if he can play lock and flank as well.
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“Wiese had a massive game at Loftus last week; he definitely took his chance and stuck up his hand.
“I’m happy for Ruben. How many seasons has he been at the Bulls and now the Stormers?
“So, I believe there’s no problem because there will always be a plan when Rassie is there.
“The only question is which youngsters will stick up their hands, because the chances are coming.”
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
The post Bakkies: I’m available for Boks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Springbok lock Bakkies Botha insists the world champions have enough options to cope with their second-row injury crisis.
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