AUDIO: Rookies keep 'old' Boks on their toes
SPOTLIGHT: For many coaches, it’s a tricky balancing act to maintain a winning record while experimenting with new players.
However, Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has made it look effortless, revealed assistant coach Tony Brown.
South Africa takes on the Barbarians in an exhibition match on Saturday, providing an ideal opportunity for management to give rookies and fringe players a chance to prove themselves in the Green and Gold jersey.
Erasmus is expected to announce his squad on Tuesday, and it’s anticipated that the Springbok selectors will lean into a younger group, while still giving some senior players valuable Test minutes.
Some of the players who might get a chance to take the field on Saturday include uncapped props Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Neethling Fouché, while Ethan Hooker could get his shot to shine in the midfield.
Speaking to reporters in Cape Town, Brown said the internal competition within the Springbok squad has elevated the overall quality of the team.
“The young guys have been training well. They keep the older guys honest around what’s required at Test match level.
“The competition is strong among the squad, and it can only enhance Springbok rugby.
“The country has a massive amount of depth – not only in South Africa, but around the world.”
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Brown praised Erasmus’ approach to squad development.
“Rassie is doing an amazing job blooding the young guys to push the older guys, and that’s what creates depth.
“In terms of talent, it’s just about getting the opportunity to prove yourself on the biggest stage – and Rassie does that better than anyone.”
Brown also explained how the Springboks’ player-tracking system has helped the coaching staff stay up to date with both seasoned internationals and emerging stars.
“We track every player in every game – their work rate, their skill set, and overall performance.
“We know what every franchise player is doing. We even track Cheslin [Kolbe] in Japan and Handré [Pollard] in England. We’re aware of who’s playing well, who’s off the pace, and which young guys are coming through.
“We don’t get involved with franchises too much, but they’re always welcome to see how the Boks’ management operates.
“There aren’t many players we miss around the world.”
From a player’s perspective, and as one of the senior figures in the squad, Kolbe admitted that the influx of young talent has made this one of his toughest pre-seasons yet.
The Springboks have been in camp for two weeks -last week in Johannesburg, and this week in Cape Town as they prepare for the Barbarians clash.
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“This has been my toughest pre-season with the Springboks, to be honest,” said the double World Cup winner.
“The young talent in South Africa is unbelievable. They keep each one of us on our toes. They’re pushing for positions, and we’re pushing for positions – it just brings the best out of every one of us.
“Whoever gets an opportunity on game day, we make sure we prepare them.
“We’re all on the same level and want the best for each other.”
Saturday’s match will be the first encounter between the Springboks and Barbarians since 2016, and it’s the first time the teams will cross paths on South African soil.
