Rassie toys with idea of new back-row

Coach Rassie Erasmus is expected to announce just two changes to the Springbok team today, though he could introduce a completely revamped back-row combination for this weekend’s Test against Scotland in Edinburgh.

Changes could be made at scrumhalf and lock, but Erasmus could also be forced to make at least another two positional shifts in order to accommodate these changes.

At scrumhalf, Embrose Papier could be given his first start in the place of Faf de Klerk, who was unavailable, with other names like Ivan van Zyl and Louis Schreuder also part of the selection conundrum.

At lock, Eben Etzebeth could return provided he has recovered from his ankle injury, otherwise RG Snyman could get the nod, which would see Pieter-Steph du Toit being moved to blindside flank and Duane Vermeulen to No 8 in the place of the injured Warren Whiteley.

With just six Tests remaining for the Boks before next year’s World Cup in Japan, Bok forward coach Matt Proudfoot said they would have to be more clinical than they were in the close shave against France last week.

“They (Scotland) are a very disciplined side who are able to defend for long phases, so you don’t get to break them down easily,” Proudfoot said.

The Boks should be wary of their hosts, with Scotland twice previously having shocked the Boks the year before a World Cup, after winning 21-6 in 2002 and 2117 in 2010.

With Scotland set to field two SA-born props in Allan Dell and WP Nel, Proudfoot warned that the challenge at the breakdown and the contact point was always crucial in Test rugby.

“The difference (to the clash with France last week) is that Scotland are probably a lot better technically in the defensive contact situations, while the French were very physical,” he said.

The Scots had also racked up a formidable record at Murrayfield in the past two seasons, with their only loss from nine home Tests coming against New Zealand last November.

“They are a very good side and Gregor (Townsend, Scotland coach) has done a fantastic job with the team since he took over,” Proudfoot said.

The Boks, meanwhile, confirmed that a decision on whether to recall Faf de Klerk for next week’s final Test of the tour against Wales in Cardiff would be made after the Scotland match.