VIDEO: Boks set for selection changes Down Under
Springbok assistant coach Duane Vermeulen dropped a couple of selection hints ahead of the return Rugby Championship encounter between South Africa and Australia in Perth on Saturday.
Traditionally the Monday media briefing is used to introduce players – alongside an assistant coach – that will feature in that week’s match.
The recently retired Vermeulen fronted up to the media in his new role as an assistant coach that fosters a superior relationship between the players and the coaching staff.
Alongside him was one-cap Bok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels and World Cup-winning wing Makazole Mapimpi.
Neither featured in the 33-7 win over the Wallabies in Brisbane this past Saturday.
Vermeulen did not deny the possibility of their involvement in the Rugby Championship Round Two match in Perth.
“We have a squad of 33 players and you want to use all 33,” Vermeulen said.
“You need the guys to stay and form and perform when there is an injury.
“They need to have game time.”
He said there might be a ‘couple of changes’ when the team is revealed on Tuesday.
“You see these two guys [Wessels and Mapimpi] here [at the top table] and they might be in the mix.
“You need game time and you need experience.
“Rassie [Erasmus] and his coaching staff will hopefully select the perfect team to perform on the weekend,” he added.
Wessels, listed as a hooker on the national team’s website, but used as the starting loosehead prop in the 64-21 win over Portugal last month, could do with some game time against the Aussie pack.
Mapimpi is also short of a gallop and likely to feature in Perth.
(WATCH as Springbok assistant coach Duane Vermeulen drops some selection hints ahead of the return Test against the Wallabies this coming Saturday….)
There could be a number of changes – with seasoned lock RG Snyman back in the mix after missing the first Test with a foot injury, while Ruan Nortje (knee) is also set to be available again.
Hooker Bongi Mbonambi left the field in the 27th minute with back spasms and could be rested.
“RG Snyman’s foot [injury] is just a bit of stiffness,” Vermeulen said, adding that a final call will be made on Tuesday.
@king365ed
@rugby365com
