Rassie Erasmus during a Springbok training session. Photo by AFP
Three huge Springbok decisions for Rassie Erasmus to make
With the start of the Springboks’ 2024 season on the horizon, we take a look at three huge decisions for Rassie Erasmus to make.
Rassie Erasmus during a Springbok training session. Photo by AFP
A great weight of expectation will be on the Springboks when they return to action as world champions in just over two months’ time, with Rassie Erasmus now back at the helm as head coach.
In terms of just some of the highlights to look forward to, there is a two-Test series against Ireland in July, followed by what should be a blockbuster Rugby Championship, and then a challenging end-of-year tour.
Rassie Erasmus will have some crucial decisions to make as Springbok coach
How best to balance youth and experience
Erasmus has said he will be brave in backing young talent, and there are a host of newcomers who can be expected to be introduced to Test action this year.
“Building a squad, trialing guys, giving guys opportunity, making sure that we always improve on squad depth, transforming the way we do things, trying to stay up to date… we have to try things,” he said earlier this year.
Although this is a crucial component in terms of building squad depth, the Springbok coach will face a huge challenge to ensure he integrates players at the right time, while keeping a core of World Cup winners around them.
Massive selection calls
Who should start at No 8 now that Duane Vermeulen has retired? What about at scrumhalf, considering Faf de Klerk is now 32 years old, while Cobus Reinach is 34? At outside centre, picking between Jesse Kriel or Lukhanyo Am is another real head scratcher.
These are just some of the big calls that the Springbok coaching staff will have to make, not to mention deciding how rising stars such as Cameron Hanekom, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Suleiman Hartzenberg should best be deployed.
This year it will be crucial for the Springboks to build some squad depth, especially considering several World Cup winners from 2023 will be past their prime by 2027.
Captaincy call
Siya Kolisi – who is now 32 years old – will undoubtedly need to have his game time very carefully managed over the next four-year cycle, regardless over whether or not he retains the captaincy armband.
In all likelihood, Erasmus will probably continue to back Kolisi as captain even though he is based overseas, but there will need to be some shared leadership.
Bongi Mbonambi has been viewed as the ‘unofficial’ vice-captain, while Eben Etzebeth, Handre Pollard and even someone like Deon Fourie have captained the Springboks in the past.
When Kolisi isn’t available, or in need of a rest, Erasmus will need to have full trust in his captaincy deputies to continue leading the Springboks in the right direction.
