Rassie Erasmus’ penchant for gambling was seldom more evident than in his selection for Saturday’s Test against Scotland, and his decision – mid-match – to flood the field with replacements. CLINTON VAN DER BERG reports.
The move could have failed spectacularly, but instead it confirmed his best instincts as several fringe players came to the party while his established go-to stars also dug in.
On Friday, milling about the Springboks’ hotel, Erasmus told anyone who listened just how nervous he was about Scotland. But it never told in his ballsy approach.
Scotland were fabulous. But the Boks’ new guard passed the test, winning a riotous, wonderful match.
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Nominally an audition for the World Cup, Erasmus having made it clear in the week that he was casting his net wide with one eye on 2027, Saturday’s match could have sunk several aspirants. Instead, it gave the Bok coach the happy problem of a group overflowing with talent.
Bok excellence came in the shape of players like Embrose Papier, Cobus Wiese, Paul de Villiers, Zack Porthen and Edwill van der Merwe.
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With a combined 19 Test caps between them, they were very much members of the new guard. This quintet revelled under the heat of a hard-won Test match, equal parts brave, hard-working and resolute.
Razor-sharp Papier was an utter nuisance, kicking shrewdly, dashing and darting and giving Scotland all sorts of headaches. His try was pure box office.
𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐄! 𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐄! 🫨
Embrose Papier is back in the Springbok green with a 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆
Stream #NationsChampionship on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/dsU5Plk9nR
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 11, 2026
Wiese, before leaving injured, might have been thought of as a fill-in, but he was joyously violent and effective before heading to the medics in the 32nd minute.
De Villiers was like a fox terrier decked in green and gold. He got up the Scots’ noses every time he touched the ball or made a tackle. Mad workrate, fabulous talent.
And Van der Merwe, not usually among the first choices, gave his all. The aerial battle wasn’t easy, but he contested courageously and looked like a man who belongs.
Porthen, too, looks the business, every inch the modern prop: busy, bruising, brilliant.
This was a mighty test. Happily, it showed that the wider group also know how to grind.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Rassie’s glorious gamble pays off appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Rassie Erasmus’ penchant for gambling was seldom more evident than in his selection for Saturday’s Test against Scotland, and his decision – mid-match – to flood the field with replacements.
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