Major surgery from new Boks coach

New South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus appeared set to make sweeping changes from the underwhelming tenure of predecessor Allister Coetzee as he gave 17 uncapped players a chance in his first squad selection yesterday.

As well as trying out a large number of untested players, Erasmus also recalled some experienced veterans who had been out of the frame after moving to overseas clubs: Hooker Bismarck du Plessis, No 8 Duane Vermeulen, utility back Frans Steyn and fullback Willie le Roux.

The 34-year-old du Plessis, in particular, was a surprise inclusion, although his return may have been helped by the injury absence of current first choice No 2 Malcolm Marx.

Among the new players, three of the four halfbacks Erasmus went with are uncapped: Embrose Papier and Ivan van Zyl of the Bulls, and Cameron Wright of the Sharks.

South Africa’s decision to relax restrictions on selecting men who play overseas and have fewer than 30 test caps also allowed Erasmus to recall another halfback, Faf de Klerk.

Erasmus didn’t name a captain to stand in for injured No 8 Warren Whiteley but is expected to announce that tonight, when the squad will likely be trimmed.

Coetzee was fired this year after leading the Springboks through two terrible seasons, when they suffered humiliating defeats.

Erasmus will start his mission to rebuild the Springboks reputation with a one-off test against Wales in Washington next weekend, followed by a three-test home series against Eddie Jones’ England.

Among the uncapped players are big Bulls locks RG Snyman and Jason Jenkins, and Sharks first fiveeighth Robert du Preez, one of three du Preez brothers in the squad.

Erasmus also brought in three uncapped but exciting wings: Sibusiso Nkosi, Aphiwe Dyantyi and Makazole Mapimpi.

FRIDAY

7.35pm

SATURDAY

7.35pm

SUNDAY

6.05pm

Eden Park, 5.15pm Hamilton,

Brisbane, 9.45pm

Byes: Jaguares, Sharks, Stormers, Bulls, Lions