Springboks: Rassie Erasmus hints at huge changes – Pollard and Am

Rassie Erasmus has hinted at FIVE possible changes to the Springboks side set to battle England in the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup 2023.

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Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber continue to mix it up and be unpredictable. Even with a Rugby World Cup semi-final on the horizon.

With most of the world expecting the Boks to make minimal changes to the side that beat France 29-28 in the quarter-finals, Rassie has hinted at several changes that could take place.

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RASSIE HINTS AT FIVE POSSIBLE CHANGES

We could finally see Lukhanyo Am back in the picture. The world class outside centre is yet to feature at this years Rugby World Cup having initially been ruled out with injury. However, having flown to France it appears that Nienaber and Rassie could finally give him some gametime.

“There is a temptation to bring Lukhanyo (Am) in this week and start Handre (Pollard) and Faf (de Klerk), as well as Canan (Moodie), and we are also thinking of a six-two split on the bench,” Erasmus told SA Rugby.

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Additionally, Pollard could start alongside Faf. If this happens, it will be the first time the veteran halfback pairing start together at this year’s showpiece.

Furthermore, the prospect of exciting utility back Moodie getting gametime will excite many SA Rugby fans.

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FULLY FIT SPRINGBOKS SQUAD TO CHOOSE FROM

Thankfully, Nienaber and Rassie have a fully fit squad to choose from.

“Every player in our squad is fit so we have all 33 players to select from. We would also like to see what they do. If they go for a six-two split, then we’ll have to make some plans,”

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Finally, they are also considering bringing Kleyn into the picture in what is the fifth possible change Rassie hinted at.

“We can also bring in a guy like Jean Kleyn who will bring some physicality against their tall lineout options. That’s probably the reason we are only announcing our team two days before the match,” he added.

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