Cape Argus

Two changes likely in Bok pack with Bloem set to be frenetic too

- JACQUES VAN DER WESTHUYZEN

BLOEMFONTE­IN: The Springboks are ready to turn up the intensity when they meet England in the second of three Tests here on Saturday.

In a high-scoring, fast-paced game in Joburg last weekend, the Boks fought back from being 3-24 down midway through the first half to win 42-39 to go one-nil up in the series. The high-octane affair saw the Boks and England score five tries each.

A similar full-bodied Test is in store for this Saturday, with home team coach Rassie Erasmus saying this week the match could equal what was produced in Joburg – and then some.

“It was an intense game ... fast, high speed,” he said in reflecting on his second match in charge of the Boks. “There were a lot of linebreaks, there was a lot of running, and I think it’s going to be even more intense this weekend.

“Both teams are desperate. We want to bury the series here and they obviously want to keep it alive,” said the former flanker. “And for the second week running the game is being played at altitude which means more pace, more space to play in and greater intensity.” The third Test is in Cape Town next week.

Erasmus has made it clear he and his coaching team want to continue trying new things and with attack coach Swys de Bruin favouring a ball-in-hand type of rugby, the Boks are sure to look to play another fast, expansive game, to take England to the limit.

Coming into the Bok selection mix this week are Frans Malherbe, who will take over from the fatigued Wilco Louw at tighthead prop, and Pieter-Steph du Toit, who’ll come in at blindside flank for JeanLuc du Preez.

Du Toit especially will add a new dimension to the Bok pack. He has shown in recent months he is comfortabl­e on the side of the scrum, having fulfilled the No 7 duties for the Stormers and his high work-rate will suit a fast, expansive game. He may be a lock at heart, but he’s quick around the field, has good hands and puts in plenty of tackles – certainly a player who’s good enough to be starting in the Bok pack. Of course, he’s a lineout option, too.

Erasmus said before the series started – when Du Toit was named captain of the side that faced Wales in Washington – that the Stormers man would definitely be considered as a flank option going forward and it seems his time has come.

Whether Du Preez drops to the bench in a straight swop with Du Toit will be revealed today, as will whether Schalk Brits, brought into the squad on Sunday, will make the cut this week or not. The 37-year-old who retired from club duty recently has only had limited time with his teammates but is considered a real playing option by Erasmus, and forwards coach Matt Proudfoot.

“It’s so nice having Schalk in the team,” said Proudfoot. “He brings a new dynamic to the squad, and he’s able to pass on so much knowledge ... to the young props as well. He’s been there, in the middle of it all, and the guys can draw from his experience­s.”

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