Bok and DHL Stormers forwards Evan Roos and Deon Fourie praised Rassie Erasmus’ decision to go with a 7-1 bench for Sunday’s clash against Scotland at Murrayfield.
Roos, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury, expressed admiration for Erasmus’ bold move in an interview with Sunday newspaper Rapport: “I’m just a big fan of the forwards, so it’s always nice to see that. I did not expect that. That’s very innovative from Rassie.”
Roos highlighted the impact potential of the forward-heavy bench, listing the powerful options Erasmus has selected. “Look at who is on the Bok bench – players like Malcolm Marx, RG Snyman, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese, and Grant Williams.
“They’re all players who can make a big impact,” he remarked, adding, “Some of them are usually starting team players, and you can only imagine the impact they will make.”
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The seven-Test Roos believes the Boks have an edge with such a stacked bench and versatility across players such as Grant Williams, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Kwagga Smith.
“Grant can play scrumhalf and wing; Kwagga can go to wing as a loose forward if needed; even Pieter-Steph can go to the wing. The Boks are blessed and spoiled to have a player like RG and the set of loose forwards,” he concluded.
Fourie, currently recovering from a knee injury, also backed the 7-1 strategy, saying, “I think the plan is to win them over. That’s why we chose a 7-1 bench.”
While the World Cup-winning flanker acknowledges Scotland’s firepower in the backline, he sees the Bok 7-1 bench as a statement of intent.
“If it’s wet, the forwards have to get the upper hand,” Fourie said, adding that Scotland’s 6-2 split likely reflects their intent to exploit a strong backline led by playmaker Finn Russell.
Photo: @Springboks/Twitter
The post ‘Even Pieter-Steph can go to the wing’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
