Always a method behind Springbok 'madness'

Yesterday at 06:01 AM

It is truly a case of 'hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie' when it comes to the Springboks' recent injury replacements.

Last week, the Springboks' head coach Rassie Erasmus raised a few eyebrows as backs replaced forwards and forwards replaced backs ahead of the November Test Series.

At first, it was a like-for-like swap with utility forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels replaced by prop Wilco Louw and hooker Johan Grobbelaar.

However, then utility back Damian Willemse was replaced with loose forward Cameron Hanekom and prop Frans Malherbe with flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse.

For some, it might look a little bit chaotic and confusing, but Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids revealed it is all part of their plan as they build towards the 2027 World Cup.

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"There's good clarity between the head coach and the selectors in terms of the planning and where we want to go.

"I think part of our strategic plans is to build depth and experience building up to the [2027] World Cup.

"Obviously we look at the broader squad in terms of what is needed and where we stand with caps and how we align in terms of reaching that specific goal."

He added: "Although we may not invite a prop for prop, there's a bigger plan towards that, looking at the squad and what we want to achieve.

"So, yeah, I think everyone is aligned and everyone is clear in terms of what we want to do."

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The Boks arrived in Edinburgh ahead of the encounter with Scotland on Sunday after concluding their training camp in Jersey.

Scotland, who are currently seventh on the World Rugby Rankings, will be a very a confident team after their 57-17 win over Fiji last weekend.

"There's no such thing as an easy Test match. We know we'll be up against a good Scottish team," said Davids.

"A lot of their players also play for the Glasgow Warriors, who won the URC last season, so they are going to test us.

"They have quality players, and they like to use the entire field, so know it's going to be a proper Test match."

The Boks will face Scotland in Edinburgh (Sunday, November 10), England in London (Saturday, November 16) and Wales in Cardiff (Saturday, November 23) on their traditional end-of-year tour.