Rassie will keep an eye on final

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has not only had to tweak the national squad’s travelling plans for their end-of-year tour, but he will probably also look with renewed interest at this weekend’s Currie Cup final in Cape Town.

The 20-man Bok training squad started preparations in Stellenbosch yesterday without the Sharks and Western Province players who were involved in the domestic final, and the Bok coach was expected to add 15 names to the touring party after Saturday’s clash between Western Province and the Sharks in Cape Town.

However, the remaining places in the squad could also be filled by overseas based players, including the likes of fullback Gio Aplon and scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, with the Boks having to do without scrumhalf Faf de Klerk and fullback Willie le Roux for the England Test at Twickenham on November 3 as it fell outside the international window.

Their absence could also influence other overseas players like wing Cheslin Kolbe, prop Vincent Koch and flank Francois Louw, though Louw’s situation with his Bath club remained uncertain.

According to Erasmus, the Bok coaching staff were looking forward to working with the players again following a break after the recent Rugby Championship.

“It’s a tough tour and our preparation time is limited, but we have set ourselves some goals, as has been the case the entire season,” Erasmus said.

“We would like to see the squad continue to grow as a group and add to our depth with the 2019 Rugby World Cup less than a year away.”

There was also renewed uncertainty over the availability of lock Franco Mostert, after he was left out of the current training group because of the renewed tug-ofwar over the player between the Lions and English club Gloucester.

Sharks players involved in the Currie Cup final who could make their way into the squad included wing Sbu Nkosi, flyhalf Robert du Preez, loose forwards Dan and Jean-Luc du Preez, and prop Thomas du Toit.

In the Province ranks there were the likes of flyhalf Damian Willemse, hooker Bongi Mbonambi, prop Wilco Louw and No 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe.