Rotation time as Gelant comes in
ERASMUS: BOK COACH MAKES FIVE CHANGES FOR TEST
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus yesterday expressed the wish that he hopes fullback Warrick Gelant “swims well” after he named him in the starting line-up for tomorrow’s third England Test at Newlands.
Erasmus named four changes in the backline and one up front for the game and Gelant will have to show he can handle the likely wet weather conditions after he replaced the experienced Willie le Roux.
He also picked a new flyhalf in Elton Jantjies and a new midfield combination in Andre Esterhuizen and Jesse Kriel.
“I hope it’s not a big disruption, I think if you go and look at the 1012-13, there’s four changes in the backline with Warren, but it’s the same trio who started the Welsh Test match,” said Erasmus.
“So there shouldn’t be a lack of understanding or rhythm there.”
Erasmus said Gelant is consistently knocking on the door and has been playing really well for the Bulls.
“I guess what Willie had on him most of the time was experience if you consider the experience of Aphiwe (Dyantyi) and S’bu (Nkosi) only having two caps,” he said.
“So I was nervous with Warrick, who has four caps, with that back three. But at least they have two under the belt now with a little bit more experience and Jesse brings 31 caps into the mix.”
In the pack the only change is Chiliboy Ralepelle starting at hooker and veteran Schalk Brits coming in on the bench.
“The weather at this stage looks dry, so we might have a few wet days but a 80-minute dry time, but we thought we’d put these guys in that situation,” said Erasmus.
“We might get some rain in the World Cup and if they want to be in that squad they will have to handle wet weather pressure.”
Erasmus said it’s also an ideal situation for Jantjies to show what he can do.
“I’m not one who always wants to replace my No 10 in a game and I probably made a mistake by replacing Elton with Robert du Preez in that Wales game. So this is a fair chance for Elton.”