RASSIE: I WAS WRONG
COACH: HE RELEASED LE ROUX WHO SHONE AT CHEETAHS
He was mistaken about fullback Willie le Roux, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus admitted yesterday ahead of tomorrow’s big Rugby Championship rematch with the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld.
Erasmus, who has made three changes to his starting side, remembered how he released Le Roux from a Stormers training camp a few years back, with the veteran player set to earn his 50th Bok cap this weekend.
“I remember when I coached the Stormers, Willie arrived from the Boland, but I released him at the time and he left the Cape and went to Bloemfontein where he started performing very well for the Cheetahs,” Erasmus said.
“So I have to admit I am glad he proved me wrong and I want to congratulate him on his achievement. He has become a wonderful ambassador and achiever for Springbok rugby.”
Erasmus recalled Francois Louw at No 8, replacing Sikhumbuzo Notshe, while in midfield Damian de Allende has recovered from his shoulder injury and returns in the place of Andre Esterhuizen. At loosehead, Steven Kitshoff is preferred to Beast Mtawarira.
On the bench, there was a recall for prop Vincent Koch who replaced Wilco Louw.
“Francois was available last weekend, but due to the arrangement with his Bath club he briefly returned and his experience will be vital for us,” Erasmus said.
“Warren Whiteley is still out with his groin injury and he probably will go back to play a game in the Currie Cup first.”
With so much pride and passion riding on the game, Erasmus said they were expecting an onslaught from the All Blacks after their defeat to the Boks in Wellington last month.
“They will test us in all areas, but hopefully we can tackle a bit less and have the ball more. We will take any measure as long as we can win this Test,” he said.
“It has been a great build-up to the Test. It’s two good teams and they are a team who gave everybody 40 or 50 points until we beat them the last time.”
While De Allende was not everybody’s cup of tea, Erasmus said his experience had won him the nod over Esterhuizen.
“When you play the All Blacks you have to pick your best available side and we strive for progress, and now we have a chance to beat the All Blacks again.”
Three changes as Boks bid to repeat Wellington victory.