VIDEO: Kitshoff to boost Boks' pack?
Usually by now the Springboks team would have been named giving pundits and fans the whole week to dissect Rassie Erasmus’ strategy.
However this week South Africa and the world will have to wait a little longer in anticipation as the team will only be announced on Thursday.
While the late announcement could be regarded as another Rassie tactic to those who oppose the Springboks.
However, it is a logical decision given the injuries inside the camp.
The postponement will give players like captain Siya Kolisi additional time to recover.
Last week, Erasmus had to revise his team after Eben Etzebeth, who was initially not named in the squad on Tuesday, was ruled fit to play.
Springbok scrum coach Daan Human was reluctant to comment on the reason behind the delay.
However, he did reveal there might be some changes to the team that will take on All Blacks.
“We do have to build depth but right now we are not looking at 2027, we are looking at the next game, which is Saturday.
“We will select a side to have a proper go against New Zealand.
“The team hasn’t been picked yet, we are still working on that, but we are trying to pick the best side possible to beat the All Blacks again.”
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Human alluded that Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff might beef up the front row this week.
The double World Cup winner has not featured in the Springboks’ Test this year after he picked up a knee injury while playing for Ulster in April.
The loosehead has played for Western Province in the Currie Cup on two occasions.
Although Kitshoff’s lack of game time could be a concern, Human said the fact that he will play at his home ground in Cape Town is a factor when it comes to selection.
“Kitsie has only been back for two games now and I had a close look at his game for Western Province [against the Pumas on Sunday] – they had a good win,” said Human.
“We are looking at all the options and we will consider the fact that it is also his home ground that we are playing at this weekend.
“It will influence our selection and playing in front of his home crowd, he’s from here; it can be a thing that we think about.”
He added: “He will be a valuable asset if he is 100 percent fit to play on this level.”
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Should Kitshoff return it would be likely that Gerhard Steenekamp will lose his spot in the squad with Ox Nche and Kitshoff occupying the top spots in the pecking order.
The Bulls forward has been excellent for the Springboks.
Steenekamp replaced Nche in the second half and steered the Springboks to a 31-27 win at Ellis Park.
When quizzed about the 27-year-old Steenekamp, Human could not contain his excitement about the prop’s impressive work ethic.
“Gerhard is a straightforward guy, he works hard, very coachable,” said Human.
“He does his primary work well.
“He is an ex-No. 8 that is playing prop, so he can play with the ball as well he is quite skilful.”
He added: “He is in a good space at the moment”
The Springboks will announce their squad for the Rugby Championship match against All Blacks on Thursday.
