Deon Fourie says Springbok boss Rassie Erasmus will resist the urge of selecting a 7-1 split on the bench to face the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
In a rematch of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, the South Africans host New Zealand in the Rugby Championship this week in Johannesburg, before the rivalry makes its debut at Cape Town Stadium on 7 September.
Speaking to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Fourie isn’t convinced the Boks will opt for a 7-1 Bomb Squad for a third consecutive Test against the All Blacks.
While the tactic proved effective last year, securing a record 35-7 win at Twickenham and a gritty 12-11 victory in the World Cup final, injuries and conditions may impact Erasmus’ decision.
The absence of key forwards like Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, and Jean Kleyn significantly reduces the Boks’ depth, making a 7-1 split less likely.
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Fourie, currently recovering from knee surgery, speculates Erasmus may favour a more balanced 6-2 bench due to the fast-paced nature of a Highveld Test.
““It [7-1 bench] can be considered again, but I doubt if it will be for the Test at Ellis Park,” Fourie told Rapport. He points to the availability of Jasper Wiese and possibly RG Snyman as crucial factors in the bench configuration.
“It’s going to be a fast Test on the Highveld with good weather. So with a 7-1 bench you are not going to be able to replace many of the backs. They also get tired in such a game.
“I think it will be a 6-2. Especially with Jasper back and hopefully RG too.”
Should Erasmus stick with the 6-2, familiar faces like Ox Nche, RG Snyman, Kwagga Smith, Malcolm Marx, and Handre Pollard could feature again, though a final decision is still pending on Wiese’s match sharpness after his recent suspension.
Photo: Ian Kington/AFP
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
