RASSIE’S BOK GAMBLE
ERASMUS: IT’S NOTHING SINISTER, INSISTS COACH, IT’S PURELY ROTATIONAL
Kolbe set to make his debut from the bench.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has defended his drastic decision to drop star hooker Malcolm Marx to the bench as purely “rotational and part of the bigger picture” to beat Australia tomorrow at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Marx is replaced by hooker Bongi Mbonambi in the starting line-up for this Rugby Championship clash in one of six changes to the starting team which lost their previous Test 32-19 to Argentina in Mendoza.
“We are looking for a good response on Saturday against the Wallabies and I am sure this side will be up to the task,” said Erasmus.
Having changed his midfield, halfback, frontrow and backrow combinations, Erasmus is hoping the Boks will take the lessons of the Pumas defeat to heart while addressing their poor starts and defensive woes.
In midfield the more experienced Jesse Kriel, with 32 Tests, and Damian de Allende, with 30 Tests, replace the inexperienced Andre Esterhuizen and Lukhanyo Am who were found wanting on defence in Mendoza.
At flyhalf Elton Jantjies is in for Handre Pollard, who struggled with his goal-kicking in both Tests against Argentina, while the combination with his former Lions team-mate Faf de Klerk could provide the team with more synergy.
Up front, loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff gets a rare start ahead of veteran Beast Mtawarira, while on the blindside flank Pieter-Steph du Toit is back in the starting team at Francois Louw’s expense with captain Siya Kolisi moving over to the openside position.
On the bench, utility back Cheslin Kolbe is set for his debut should he get on the park.
“We have worked hard to rectify our errors of last week and we know the set piece and breakdown battles especially will be important,” Erasmus said.
With the Wallabies fielding two specialists in captain Michael Hooper and David Pocock, it is therefore surprising Erasmus didn’t add Marco van Staden to the Bok mix.
“The Wallabies are known for their abilities at the breakdown and we will have to be accurate and disciplined in those areas,” said Erasmus of the double threat.