Nick Mallett believes Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has executed his squad rotation plan to perfection.
With four more players set to make their Test debuts against Wales in Durban on Saturday, Erasmus will have capped almost every player from this year’s alignment camp while maintaining an unbeaten start to the Nations Championship.
Mallett said Erasmus had been transparent from the outset about his plans.
“We always knew, and Rassie has been incredibly honest with the Springbok fans and the public, that he was going to give everyone at the alignment camp an opportunity to play, provided they were fit and healthy, ” he said on the Talking Boks podcast. “And I also think, provided the Springboks did well against England and Scotland. And that’s precisely what he’s done.”
The former Bok coach added that Erasmus has also ensured that every newcomer is surrounded by experienced internationals, allowing them to settle into the Test arena.
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Flyhalf Vusi Moyo will have Cobus Reinach inside him and Damian de Allende outside him, while winger Jaco Williams lines up alongside familiar Sharks teammate Aphelele Fassi.
In the front five, Mallett feels debutant lock Ruben van Heerden is more than ready for the challenge.
“He isn’t a young guy. He’s been around for a while and has had three or four really solid seasons for the Stormers. He’ll know these Welsh players backwards because he’s played against them many times. So there’s no lack of experience there.”
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Despite all the new faces in the match 23, Mallett believes the Springboks have shown Wales the respect they deserve while still advancing their long-term plans.
“You’ve got players you can really bank on. Pieter-Steph du Toit is captain and Damian de Allende is at inside centre. Both have leadership roles. So I think it’s a really good side and a really strong team to play against a Wales side that, I must say, has improved.”
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Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post Mallett: Rassie’s got Bok balance spot-on appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Nick Mallett believes Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has executed his squad rotation plan to perfection.
The post Mallett: Rassie’s got Bok balance spot-on appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
