Whiteley in doubt for Scotland but Eben back
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus might have one selection poser solved for him when his team takes on Scotland this weekend with No 8 Warren Whiteley in doubt for the clash.
The Lions No 8 sustained a calf injury during last Saturday’s 29-26 win over France in Paris and has been put on the “probably not” list.
If Whiteley‚ who was below par against Les Bleus‚ is ruled out‚ it will allow a potential return to No 8 for Duane Vermeulen, with Pieter-Steph du Toit moving back to blindside flank.
With Siya Kolisi completing the loose trio‚ it is a formation that has more balance.
Kolisi also had a quiet game by his standards and this could be a chance for Erasmus to rest the skipper allowing a start for Francois Louw‚ who made two vital steals in the final minutes in Paris.
Eben Etzebeth is also expected to be fit for selection this weekend after overcoming a foot injury‚ which would compensate for Pieter-Steph’s move back to the side of the scrum.
The Boks lost their opening match on tour against England – their second consecutive defeat against the Roses following the third Test defeat in June.
As a result of the 12-11 setback at Twickenham‚ Erasmus made three key changes for last week’s match against France.
But now that the Boks have winning momentum again‚ he hinted that he would not be making massive changes to the team against Scotland.
“Warren has a calf injury and I would say he is doubtful for Saturday‚” Erasmus said.
“Vincent Koch and Frans Malherbe [props] both have some bumps and we will be cautious with them‚ but I think they will be fit to play.”
Erasmus said the Springboks can brace themselves for a very tough match against Scotland. The Scots beat Fiji 54-17 at home over the weekend.
“Gregor [Townsend‚ Scotland coach] is someone I’ve coached against during my time with Munster‚” he said.
“His teams are always very fit and organised in all facets of the game. Scotland play more like a Super Rugby southern hemisphere style of play.
“They are not afraid to attack from anywhere. There are a lot of Glasgow players in their team and that’s why I know it’s going to be tough at Murrayfield.”
Erasmus admitted his side made many mistakes against France and were fortunate to come away with a win, thanks to a try from hooker Bongi Mbonambi four minutes after time was up.
“We made some poor decisions against France – and that includes me – and our balance about when we needed to kick and when to attack wasn’t quite there‚” Erasmus said.
“Perhaps it was because prior to the match we had lost our previous two games and we maybe had some tunnel vision at times.” –