VIDEO: 'Punch-drunk' Bok star heads home
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has explained his squad’s dynamics ahead of their clash against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
It’s the final outing for the Springboks on their end-of-year tour after victories against Scotland and England.
CLICK HERE to read the full team announcement
Despite giving a couple of veterans a rest, Erasmus managed to name a powerful side with a spotlight on Jordan Hendrikse (one cap) at flyhalf and Cameron Hanekom (uncapped) on the bench.
The Boks will also unleash Johan Grobbelaar (two caps) at hooker in a bid to give everyone a chance to play on tour.
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On those starts that were left out of the matchday squad, Erasmus said: “Some of the players will only help us out until tomorrow [Wednesday] afternoon because some of them are going into different leagues.
“We will obviously keep enough cover with us here like an extra prop and loose forward.
“Grant [Williams], Manie [Libbok] and one of the centres will stay.
“We are giving some of the guys some family time from Wednesday night, but we will make sure we have enough cover if there is an illness or a late injury. That will be about four or five players.
“It’s not compulsory. If they want to stay, they can stay.”
Erasmus also revealed that one of his stars already headed home.
In Tuesday’s team announcement, the Boks revealed that Pieter-Steph du Toit has a shoulder niggle.
“Pieter-Steph was already on a plane last night [Monday].
“He is a bit punch-drunk and he wanted to sort a few things out.
“He deserves a rest and there are a few others like Kwagga [Smith] as well.”
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