The powerful André Esterhuizen is one of several versatile Springboks currently training to pack down at the back of the scrum for the world champions.
The 32-year-old Esterhuizen, who has starred at centre and flanker, is among a host of fit-again players named in the 26-man Bok squad for Saturday’s Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires. Fellow Sharks star Ethan Hooker was also included.
No 8 Jasper Wiese started three of South Africa’s four matches so far this year, but the 2023 World Cup winner will not make the trip.
Speaking ahead of the Los Pumas Test and the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, Rassie Erasmus named his back-up options for Wiese and the injured Kwagga Smith.
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“We have several players. Paul de Villiers practises a lot at 8; André Esterhuizen practises a lot at 8,” the Bok boss said.
“Cameron Hanekom and Elrigh Louw practise at 8, Marco van Staden too. Marco came on in the last game against Wales for Jasper and played 8.”
Erasmus then offered his own take on what the No 8 role actually demands in the modern game.
“I know people might get frustrated with me, but the only place where a guy plays 8 in a game is when he packs down to scrum,” he said.
“If you have two tall flanks then you don’t need an 8 that can jump in a lineout. You can put him at the front or back of a lineout.
“I don’t think the 8 must help in the backline or is the link between forwards and backs. The position doesn’t work like that anymore.
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“There’s no difference between 6 and 8, as long as the roles complement each other for us,” Erasmus explained.
“It’s a combination of a tall guy that gives momentum and a tall guy that plays a bit to the ball, whether he plays 8, 6 or 7.”
On the best position for Hooker at the moment, he added: “Ethan Hooker covers 12, 13 and wing for us, if we get into any trouble.”
Photo: Floris van Schouwenburg/Gallo Images
The post Boks poised to unleash Giant at 8 appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The powerful André Esterhuizen is one of several versatile Springboks currently training to pack down at the back of the scrum for the world champions.
The post Boks poised to unleash Giant at 8 appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
