Rassie Erasmus is back in charge of the Springboks and he already has his work cut out for him with these THREE massive decisions ahead of him.
With THREE big decisions ahead of him, Rassie Erasmus, who rejoined the Springboks, already has his work cut out for him.
Rassie Erasmus and the Boks have their sights set on a three-peat at the Mission Rugby World Cup.
However, there are a few important choices that must be made before this can occur. As he gets ready to guide South Africa into the newest era of their rugby history, Rassie is really already making some significant decisions.
1) RASSIE TO APPOINT NEW COACHES
When one door closes, another one opens, and in the Springboks’ case, there are currently two openings. Felix Jones has traveled to England, while Jacques Nienaber has set off on a new life in Ireland, assuming tight control over Leinster.
For the 2024 campaign, Rassie needs to choose a new defensive coordinator and assistant.
There have been mentions of Normal Laker (defense coach for the Stormers), Gary Gold (assistant coach for the Bulls), Duane Vermeulen, and Jaque Fourie.
Rassie, on the other hand, needs to consider the Springboks’ championship defense when assembling his starting lineup for the 2024 campaign.
2) BLOODING NEW HOOKERS
Rassie is not sure that Bongi will make the 2027 Rugby World Cup and we know for sure that Deon Fourie will not (he will be over 40).
Therefore, he needs to start developing the hooker department as the Boks head into their 2027 RWC title defence in Australia. Akker van der Merwe has been in sensational form for the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship. He is certainly knocking at the selection door with Joseph Dweba who narrowly missed out on Rugby World Cup selection. These are the two strongest candidates likely to join Malcolm Marx and Bongi next season. If Mbonambi cannot play in 2027 then a younger option such as Johan Grobbelaar could be in the running.
3) LOCKS OFF THE SELECTION DOOR
Rassie claims that Eben Etzebeth might not participate in the upcoming RWC. In addition, players like Franco Mostert (37), and Lood de Jager (35), will be long past their peak. In other words, over the next four years, he needs to grow the lock department.
This implies that players like Ruan Nortje might be given a chance to play for the national team. In the interim, RG Snyman might start more games for the Boks.
