Bok boss Rassie Erasmus has explained bracketing Siya Kolisi for Saturday’s clash in Cape Town, while also praising Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ox Nché ahead of milestone appearances.
The Springbok team named on Monday shows several changes from last week’s defeat to the All Blacks, with Handré Pollard and Cobus Reinach starting at halfback and Ethan Hooker coming in on the wing. Du Toit will win his 100th cap and Nché his 50th.
Erasmus said niggles for Cheslin Kolbe and Grant Williams forced changes, while Kolisi’s involvement depends on how he trains through the week.
TEAM: Rassie names Siya for revamped Boks
“Cheslin and Grant suffered niggles last weekend, which ruled them out of contention for selection, while we have bracketed Siya alongside Paul to allow us time to monitor how Siya comes through training this week,” he said.
“The changes we made are in line with what we want to achieve on the field this week, and it is valuable that almost all of the players have been involved in the last two games, so they will be able to cope with the intensity and physicality of this match.”
On his halfback options, Erasmus pointed to the value of contrasting styles: “Handré has delivered for us under extreme pressure, and we feel that what he and Cobus have the potential to bring at the beginning of the game, and then have Morné [van den Berg] and Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu] come on later with their different styles of play will be good for us this weekend.”
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Turning to Du Toit and Nché’s milestones, Erasmus added: “Pieter-Steph and Ox have been pillars of strength for us on and off the field, and they both deserve these accolades.
“It is a remarkable achievement to play 100 Test matches, and for Pieter-Steph to deliver week in and week out the way he has over the years is incredible. We are equally proud of Ox for the player and team man he has grown into, and to see him reach 50 Test caps is fantastic.”
Erasmus also addressed the manner of last week’s loss, stressing the need to convert chances into points at Cape Town Stadium.
“There were a handful of positives and negatives last week, but the main thing that let us down was that we created so many chances, but mistakes at crucial times cost us,” he said.
“We know New Zealand will be charged up after winning last week, and they will want to build on that. But the key for us will be to focus on our game and ensure that we are as effective as possible all around.”
ALSO: All Blacks wait on injured trio
Photo: Juan Jose Gasparini/Gallo Images
The post ‘We need time to monitor Siya’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Bok boss Rassie Erasmus has explained bracketing Siya Kolisi for Saturday’s clash in Cape Town, while also praising Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ox Nchè ahead of milestone appearances.
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