Rassie Erasmus is spoiled for alternative with an abundance of bruisers when deciding the way to steadiness his again row choices for the November tour opener towards Scotland.
Erasmus’ 35-player group for the year-end tour has seen uncapped Cameron Hanekom be part of captain Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese, Kwagga Smith, Elrigh Louw and Marco van Staden as choices to play within the conflict in Edinburgh on 10 November.
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Hanekom was drafted into the nationwide staff after Damian Willemse suffered a tour-ending groin damage whereas taking part in for the DHL Stormers.
It’s probably that Kolisi will lead the Boks at Murrayfield and might be joined by blindsider Du Toit within the again row. Nonetheless, Erasmus has a choice as to the way to finest steadiness the unfastened trio that may sort out the Scots.
Wiese joined Kolisi and Du Toit at No 8 within the Boks’ Rugby Championship finale towards Argentina in Nelspruit, with Louw and Smith a part of a six-two break up on the bench.
Ought to Erasmus select handy Hanekom his debut towards Scotland, it could possibly be at No 8 or at openside flank, which might see Kolisi shift to the again of the scrum. The identical may occur if Erasmus provides Van Staden a begin, with the Vodacom Bulls flanker extra of a specialised opensider.
Whereas Kolisi has not began a Check match at No 8 but, it’s a function that he just lately shone in for the Sharks of their bonus-point victory over 2023 Vodacom URC champions Munster.
If Wiese is rested for the conflict with England at Twickenham six days later, Erasmus may discipline Louw or Smith at No 8.
Photograph: Jean Catuffe/Getty Pictures
