Erasmus flags intriguing Rennie selections
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus admits he has not yet studied the All Blacks squad in detail.
However, there were several selection decisions by Dave Rennie that immediately caught his attention as anticipation builds for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
The upcoming encounter has been billed as not only a clash between the world’s two best teams, but also a battle between two contrasting rugby philosophies.
Under Erasmus, the Springboks have become the benchmark of world rugby through a relentless blend of physicality, tactical kicking and set-piece dominance. That blueprint has delivered back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles, consecutive Rugby Championship crowns and established South Africa as the world’s top-ranked side.
Meanwhile, New Zealand have embarked on a new era under Rennie. The All Blacks have rediscovered their attacking DNA, playing with greater width, increased tempo and the confidence to trust their instinctive running game.
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Asked about the contrasting styles ahead of the series, Erasmus was reluctant to read too much into either side’s approach this far out.
“It’s difficult to say now, I mean, being three weeks out from the first match,” Erasmus told reporters.
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Although Erasmus admitted he has not conducted a detailed analysis of the All Blacks squad, he revealed there were a few notable selections that stood out.
“I really haven’t studied it in detail.
“But I do understand why we talk a lot about New Zealand. I mean, it’s a big thing that’s happening,” Erasmus said.
“The only thing that stood out for me was the selection of three scrumhalves, who will have to cover four Tests and four games against our franchises.
“The three scrumhalves will more or less always be in the mix.
“I’ve heard that Ardie Savea will not be in the squad for the first couple of games, so the question can be answered like that. He’ll be match-fit if he rests now for two weeks.”
Erasmus also explained that South Africa’s squad management before the Argentina tour could still influence selection for the series against New Zealand.
The Springboks coach is expected to announce a 26-man touring squad on Saturday for the trip to South America before finalising his official Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry squad upon the team’s return from Argentina.
With All Blacks’ South African tour extending beyond the four-Test series against the Springboks, with fixtures against the Stormers (August 7), Sharks (August 11), Bulls (August 15) and Lions (August 25), these matches will prove invaluable for players on the fringe of Erasmus’ squad, offering one final chance to impress.
“There’s a few players that we also release to the provinces.
“A guy like Embrose Papier is a classic example. We have to get game time into Morne van den Berg, and we have to get game time into Cobus Reinach, so the two of them will go on tour if there aren’t any injuries.
“Now, taking Embrose on tour means he doesn’t have the opportunity to train with the Bulls, who are playing against the All Blacks.
“Then Herschel Jantjies doesn’t have any club commitments now, so that’s why a guy like Jantjies will go with us.
“So those kinds of things are going to be interesting. How does Embrose perform in his club game against the All Blacks? How does Ntuks play for the Stormers?
“How does Vusi Moyo play for the Sharks? We’ll try to release the guys we feel might not be involved in the first Test match.
“But guys can also play themselves into the team if players don’t do well in Argentina, if some guys aren’t 100 percent fit, or if others shine against the All Blacks. So that’s a nice thing to look at.”
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