Nick Mallett reckons a host of injuries has opened the door for Cobus Wiese and Ruben van Heerden to make their case for permanent spots in the Springbok second row.
Locks Wiese and Van Heerden will link up at No 4 and 5, respectively, for the Boks against Wales on Saturday, with the latter set to make his Test debut in the Nations Championship clash at Kings Park.
The three-cap Wiese started last week’s win over Scotland in Pretoria, his powerful run from a restart bringing the Loftus crowd to their feet, but was pulled after just 32 minutes with a suspected injury.
Speaking on the Talking Boks podcast, Mallett claimed Wiese must put in a strong performance to showcase his worth to Rassie Erasmus before the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, given the absence of the likes of Eben Etzebeth and Salmaan Moerat.
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“It was surprising to see him come off injured and then suddenly start again this weekend. But he was very good for those 30 minutes,” the former Bok coach said.
“That charge down the middle of the field showed how much he was putting himself about. It would’ve been nice to see him go 60 minutes instead of just 30.
“Can he maintain that quality over a longer period? Because I do think lock is an area where we’ve got concerns.
“I’m not absolutely certain what’s going to happen with Eben Etzebeth and his concussion issues. We know Salmaan Moerat is out for a long time,” Mallett added.
“Pieter-Steph [du Toit] is great for us on the flank, so it’s a pity they have to move him into lock, even though he can do the job there.
“For the All Blacks series you want to be absolutely certain you’ve got three or four locks you can count on who are 100% fit.”
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Mallett believes Van Heerden has earned his chance in the green and gold after starring given the 28-year-old’s improved lineout calling and consistency for the Stormers.
“I’m very pleased that Ruben’s ship has finally come in. He’s been around for a long time,” he said.
“I always felt it was a little unfair that he wasn’t part of the Springbok group earlier, although that was really a reflection of our depth at lock. Now injuries have opened the door.
“He’s been a really solid player for the Stormers over the last few seasons. He’s got an incredible work rate. He defends exceptionally well.
“There was a time when he was seen more as a No 4 lock. After Marvin Orie left the Stormers, Ruben had to take on more responsibility calling the lineouts and he’s done really well.
“So I wouldn’t argue with anyone who says he’s the sort of player you can always rely on.”
Photo: Floris van Schouwenburg/Gallo Images
The post Who Mallett hopes can resolve Bok lock woes appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Nick Mallett reckons a host of injuries has opened the door for Cobus Wiese and Ruben van Heerden to make their case for permanent spots in the Springbok second row.
The post Who Mallett hopes can resolve Bok lock woes appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
