Jake White believes the late changes to the Springbok match 23 for Saturday’s second Test against the All Blacks will alter the team’s approach.
Wing Cheslin Kolbe and flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu have been drafted into the run-on side, while Manie Libbok will serve as the back-up flyhalf off the bench.
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Kolbe has recovered fully from the knock that saw him leave the field at Ellis Park last week and will replace Kurt-Lee Arendse on the right wing.
According to a Bok statement, Handré Pollard picked up a niggle at training on Wednesday, and after being assessed on Friday morning, the decision was made to withdraw the two-time World Cup winner.
“It’s a blow that Handré Pollard has pulled up. The style would have been much more predictable and that’s no bad thing,” White wrote in his RugbyPass column.
White also says Erasmus is taking a risk by naming soon-to-be 40-year-old Deon Fourie as hooker cover for the Test. He believes the decision could leave the Boks exposed, particularly given Malcolm Marx’s workload last week.
“Take Deon Fourie. He is 39 and it’s remarkable he’s on the bench, but for me it’s a risk,” White said.
“Marx played 80 minutes last week and ideally, he’d go again this weekend and Fourie would come on in Siya [Kolisi]’s place as he’ll be short on match fitness.
“You certainly can’t expect Marx to go again on four consecutive weekends.”
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After a tumultuous week, White believes the Cape Town showdown is the perfect opportunity for Erasmus to take the initiative back from his counterpart Dave Rennie, who has won four of their five Test meetings.
“The onus is very much on Rassie to wrestle back the momentum this weekend,” he said.
“As for the mood [in South Africa], I can tell you there was shock, not at the result, but the nature of the loss. To lose by 17 points and five tries to one definitely wasn’t what they expected. It happened too easily and honestly they could have shipped more.
“If the All Blacks show that desire, they could nick it, otherwise, I expect the Springboks to strike back.”
Photo: Juan Jose Gasparini/Gallo Images
The post Jake on Pollard injury: It’s a blow appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Jake White believes the late changes to the Springbok match 23 for Saturday’s second Test against the All Blacks will alter the team’s approach.
The post Jake on Pollard injury: It’s a blow appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
