Before they left for Australia to begin the Rugby Championship, the Springboks received some welcome news that several important players were making good progress from their injuries.
It was once believed that Malcolm Marx and Pieter-Steph du Toit, two important forwards who helped the Rugby World Cup win, may miss one or both of their matches against the Australians in Australia. However, they may be fit to play the Wallabies on August 10.
During a startling “croc-roll” during the second Test match against Ireland, Marx broke his leg. But according to Erasmus on Tuesday, the No. 2 is 90% prepared for the game; a decision regarding his suitability will be made the week before the Test.
Although Du Toit had a bruised knee in that same game, Erasmus believes he should be ready for the opening meeting at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
More good new news was prop Steven Kitshoff is back after missing the second half of the United Rugby Championship, while scrumhalf Faf de Klerk, who is struggling with a groin injury, could also be in the mix when the All Blacks visit for two Test matches in Johannesburg and Cape Town on August 31 and September 7.
Kitshoff could do some much-needed game time with Western Province in the Currie Cup to get some time in the legs ahead of the rest of the Springboks Test program. The Boks are well-stocked at prop, but the red-headed loosehead is one of the best in the world and a player who gives them a gun option.
Rassie on 𝘈![CDATA[]]>𝘭![CDATA[]]>𝘭![CDATA[]]>𝘦![CDATA[]]>𝘴
Rugby has always been part of his life 🏉
Episode 5: Rassie Erasmus on falling in love with rugby ▶️#ForeverGreenForeverGold #Springboks pic.twitter.com/l6wZ0ic3y6
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 24, 2024
Erasmus made a suggestion that Jan-Hendrik Wessels of the Bulls, who can play both hooker and loosehead, was chosen as a backup for a Marx in the event that he is not ready for the first game.
“Kitsie ought to get into some rugby. Malcolm is 90% ready to play the following week. We take Jan-Hendrik Wessels because he can cover both the hooker and the loosehead prop,” Erasmus explained.
Because he can cover No. 5, Pieter-Steph will be ready to play next week, which adds intrigue to your team decision. You can then experiment with your bench choices, selecting two locks or two loose forwards in a 6-2 split.
But Pieter-Steph has to be fit for it. In addition to having the flu, he suffered a minor injury on his knee. He was unable to completely train for us during the past two days.
Bulls lock and captain Ruan Nortje is one player who might start against the Wallabies from the opening kick.
Bulls player Franco Mostert’s injury had given Nortje the opportunity to play in the Test matches against Portugal and Ireland, despite his lack of attention during both matches.
In both the one-off encounter against Portugal and the second Test against Ireland, RG Snyman opened the scoring for the Boks at No. 5. Snyman’s ability to play loose in the second half may have a greater influence than his influence as a member of the “bomb squad” in determining Nortje’s starting position.
“He is essentially Mostert’s replacement, exactly like for like.” “He was in our alignment camps and was unfortunate not to be selected for the Ireland Tests,” Erasmus of Nortje remarked.
“Ruan was just unlucky to be playing against people who were playing really well and were in form.” He gets his chance because of his injuries.
There are combinations there as well with some of his other Bulls teammates. If chosen, they will not be entirely unfamiliar with playing together because they have ties.
