Rassie ready to give Brits a run
CHANGES: FOUR OR FIVE NEW FACES POSSIBLE FOR TEST
Veteran hooker Schalk Brits could make his belated surprise return to the Springbok matchday squad for the third and final Test against England at Newlands this weekend.
Coach Rassie Erasmus said yesterday that while he won’t make wholesome changes, there could be between four and five changes to the squad.
While there could also be some movement in the midfield, Brits, who has 10 caps, could replace either Akker van der Merwe on the bench or Bongi Mbonambi in the starting team.
“Schalk will definitely come into the reckoning for this game whether it is starting or coming off the bench,” said Erasmus.
Erasmus said in the bigger Tests like the World Cup the 9s,10s, hookers, No 5 lock and fullback are all vital positions.
“You can potentially get a situation where three guys all of a sudden go down a month before the tournament and then you will have to ask yourself if you have the depth among the reserves.
“I think of the way New Zealand played in the 2011 World Cup with five different flyhalves and one wasn’t even in the camp with them and one of those guys won the final for them,” he said.
Erasmus said he was taken aback by the news that this weekend might be the last Test at Newlands.
“I’ve played and coached here and it’s a special place and I don’t have all the details but either way it will be a great and special occasion on Saturday, it’s a very special field,” he said.
Erasmus said he has seen gradual growth in the side since the first Test both on and off the field.
“Still way off the pace compared to New Zealand and some of the other teams, but slowly getting better,” he said.
“Getting used to one another is probably something that takes the longest because you have to become used to pressure, sometimes good pressure, sometimes bad pressure and on-the-field pressure.”
Erasmus said there also could be tough times like dropping players and understanding the coach and assistant coaches and the way they manage the team.
“So in that way, while there may be still some hiccups, there’s a better understanding of how we operate and handling things so the growth in that regard has been great,” he said.
Erasmus said on the field he thought they have improved in some of the areas which was thought to be their weaknesses.
“Not great yet, but I think the kicking game is getting better, the balance between attack and defence is also getting better.”