Newly appointed coach of the South African National rugby union team – The Springboks – Johan “Rassie” Erasmus gestures as he speaks at The Supersport Studios in Johannesburg on March 1, 2018. – New South Africa rugby coach Johan “Rassie” Erasmus acknowledged that he faces a “huge task” reviving fallen giants South Africa. The twice world champions are ranked only sixth in the world after winning just 11 of 25 Tests in the past two seasons, during which they twice conceded 57 points to New Zealand. (Photo by GULSHAN KHAN / AFP)
Players most likely to miss out on Springbok World Cup selection
Come this afternoon, one Springbok player’s World Cup dream will be over. Here are 3 player who may be in danger.
Newly appointed coach of the South African National rugby union team – The Springboks – Johan “Rassie” Erasmus gestures as he speaks at The Supersport Studios in Johannesburg on March 1, 2018. – New South Africa rugby coach Johan “Rassie” Erasmus acknowledged that he faces a “huge task” reviving fallen giants South Africa. The twice world champions are ranked only sixth in the world after winning just 11 of 25 Tests in the past two seasons, during which they twice conceded 57 points to New Zealand. (Photo by GULSHAN KHAN / AFP)
Rassie Erasmus has reduced the Springbok squad that assembled in Bloemfontein to 32 players, after Lizo Gqoboka, Thomas du Toit, Marvin Orie and Andre Esterhuizen were released back to their unions which probably means they will serve as injury cover should any injuries occur at the Rugby World Cup.
With Marcell Coetzee having undergone surgery on his ankle and being ruled out of the showpiece in Japan, it means there will be one unlucky player that gets the axe ahead of today’s announcement of Springboks’ 31 man Rugby World Cup squad.
Rugby World Cup 2019: Springbok squad selection
It would be a major surprise if the person who was cut was outside of the 3 following players, Kwagga Smith of the Lions, Toulouse hardman, Rynhardt Elstadt or talented fullback, Warrick Gelant. It is most likely one of these 3 who will not get on the plane to Japan
Kwagga Smith
Kwagga Smith has performed well for the Springboks this season, having started the crunch clash against the All Blacks and the Championship winning game against Argentina, the 26 year old flanker seems to have moved into the backup role for Siya Kolisi when he is not available.
His ball-running and energy are big assets, for the Springboks, but an area of concern will be his ability in the trenches in tight matches with little room to manoeuvre, it remains to be seen if he can tough it out at Test level.
If the Boks plan on employing a high tempo game in Japan, Kwagga will surely be one of the first named penned in that 31 man squad.
If the game plan is a territorial and pragmatic and consistent of one off runner, then Rassie Erasmus would be ill-advised to leave the Toulouse blindside flanker at home.
Rynhardt Elstadt
Elstadt is perfect for the big ball carrier role and gets the team over the advantage over the line, contrary to Kwagga, his strengths lie in the tight phases.
His lack of pace remains a cause for concern on the flank, his lack of dynamism will also concern the Springbok coaching team, because apart from a solid tackle count and strong ball carrying. There is very little else he can offer and that might see him remain behind when Rassie makes a final decision.
Warrick Gelant
Warrick Gelant is probably the only backline player in any real danger of not making the final squad, surprising as that may be considering he is so gifted, he hasn’t set the world alight in the Springbok jersey this year. Solid, but not spectacular.
His devastating ability is well-known when he fires on all cylinders and Rassie will probably bank on that if he takes him to Japan.
His strong running, vision and great feet are well suited for a Springbok side that often employs the fullback as a secondary playmaker, Gelant is a sharp and quick thinker on his feet and it would make sense to have in the squad if you are looking for a player to put his wingers into space.
All 3 players have their shortcomings and have undoubtedly been working hard in the final training camp in Bloemfontein to prove they deserve to get on that plane.
In the absence of a second specialist fullback, Erasmus would be taking a big risk leaving Gelant, especially since Kolbe is untested at fullback in the Test match arena. Frans Steyn’s ability to cover 15 is questionable especially since he does not seem fit enough to start a game at the moment.
Kwagga Smith is very similar to skipper Siya Kolisi in terms of ball running ability, so he will be vital to the Boks should anything happen to Kolisi, Francois Louw is a different type of player to Kolisi and Smith, so he would not be a like for like replacement at 6.
Rynhardt Elstadt is the alternative to Pieter-Steph du Toit at blindside flanker, he is simply not agile or quick enough to play on the openside. He also does not have the athleticism of a Franco Mostert or du Toit.
The former Stormers flanker has done well to get back into Springbok contention from an overseas club, but it is unlikely to go any further than his last Test match against Argentina 2 weeks ago, at least not for the 2019 international season.
Rynhardt Estadt is most likely to be the unlucky omission when Rassie Erasmus names his 31 man squad this afternoon.
