Elrigh to tackle Wallabies at 8
07/24/2024 05:36 AM
The powerful Elrigh Louw will start for the Springboks at the back of the scrum in their 2024 Rugby Championship opener against Australia, according to readers.
Rassie Erasmus on Tuesday announced a 33-man squad for the southern hemisphere competition, which kicks off between the Boks and Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday, 10 August.
There is no space for DHL Stormers bruiser Evan Roos, who started the last Test at No 8 for South Africa against Portugal. With Jasper Wiese still suspended, this leaves the world champions with an interesting choice to make over who completes the back row.
In a poll run by SARugbymag.co.za, an overwhelming 50% of fans decided that Louw – who got game time as a substitute for Roos in the 10-try rout of Os Lobos last week – must start the first of two Tests for Erasmus' charges Down Under next month.
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A formidable ball carrier, excellent lineout option and solid under the high ball, Louw only started two games at 8 for the Vodacom Bulls last season, but was predominantly utilised at eighthman in the 2022-23 campaign.
The 24-year-old wrecking ball beat Ben-Jason Dixon (18%) in the poll – the Stormers utility forward notching a first try for his country versus the Portuguese in his second appearance – and two-time World Cup winner Kwagga Smith (16%).
Photo: @Springboks/Twitter
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