New Zealand journalist makes big Rassie Erasmus claim ahead of second All Blacks Test
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Has Rassie gone into his shell?
New Zealand journalist Liam Napier has questioned whether Rassie Erasmus has “gone into his shell” following his Springboks selection for Saturday’s second Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town.
Writing for The New Zealand Herald, Napier contrasted Erasmus’ response to the 33-16 defeat at Ellis Park with the approach taken following South Africa’s loss to New Zealand at Eden Park last year.
On that occasion, Erasmus responded with sweeping changes before the Springboks bounced back with a record victory over the All Blacks in Wellington.
This time, however, the Springbok boss has largely backed the side from the opening Test, while recalling Handré Pollard and Cobus Reinach to the starting XV and making significant changes among the replacements.
Napier believes it represents a notably more conservative response from Erasmus.
“No big, bold statements. No experimentation. No mass starting changes following defeat.”
He then posed the question:
“Has Rassie Erasmus gone into his shell?”
Pollard’s return at fly-half was also highlighted by Napier, who believes the selection points towards South Africa placing a greater emphasis on territory and their kicking game in Cape Town.
Erasmus has overhauled five positions on his bench following the opening defeat, including the recall of veteran Deon Fourie, having subsequently admitted that his approach with the replacements at Ellis Park had backfired.
Napier believes the circumstances are significantly different to those Erasmus faced following the Eden Park defeat.
“With the stakes significantly elevated compared to Wellington last year, conservatism prevailed. Has the perennial protagonist lost his spark?”
The Herald journalist also questioned Erasmus’ repeated attempts to position the Springboks as underdogs after New Zealand’s opening victory saw the All Blacks replace South Africa at the top of the world rankings.
For the Boks, the equation is now straightforward. Another defeat in Cape Town would leave them 2-0 down in the four-Test series, while victory would level the contest ahead of the final two Tests.
There are also significant milestones awaiting South Africa on Saturday, with Pieter-Steph du Toit set to become the 11th Springbok to reach 100 Test caps and Ox Nche in line for his 50th appearance.
Siya Kolisi has been bracketed alongside Paul de Villiers as he looks to prove his fitness, and should the Springbok captain be cleared to start, South Africa will field the most experienced starting XV in their history with a combined 1,012 Test caps.
