Faf won't be put in restraints
WATCH as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus explains why scrumhalf Francois de Klerk is allowed to roam freely on the field.
De Klerk, who left South Africa last year to join up with Premiership Sale Sharks, has been one of the stars in the Boks’ back-to-back Test wins over England.
His livewire approach to the game sometimes frustrate pundits, who feel he should be more reserved.
However, the Bok coach, Erasmus, believes the game needs characters like De Klerk.
He felt it would be a mistake to take that personal traits and style away from a player.
“The rugby team is there for every shape, size and kind of player,” he said, adding: “We don’t have to conform to one specific type of player.
“We try to encourage that [different characters] in the team.
“Yes, we are playing for the Springboks, but you are an individual and bring different things to the party.
“Faf is getting more into that role. Something he does good things and sometimes bad things. The moment you box [players like] Siya [Kolisi] or Beast [Tendai Mtawarira] in and say you have to play a certain game [it will be a mistake].
“There will be games that we lose, but his [De Klerk’s] natural ability to sum up either defence, attack or kicking game is coming through really nicely.”
@rugby365com
