Rassie Erasmus is set to make a bold selection call in the Springboks’ lineup to face Scotland in their November tour opener at Murrayfield on Sunday.
The Springbok brains trust has kept fans guessing and Erasmus is playing cards close to his chest ahead of this high-stakes showdown in Edinburgh.
According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, with veteran lock Franco Mostert lacking game time after a lengthy injury, and powerhouse RG Snyman typically reserved for impactful cameos off the bench, Ruan Nortje is tipped to retain his spot in the No 5 jersey for a sixth consecutive Test.
Many expected fit-again Snyman to be recalled straight into the starting lineup on the back of his outstanding performances for Leinster in the Vodacom URC.
However, 26-year-old Nortje, who debuted against Wales in 2022, has quickly become a reliable presence, stepping up when the Boks were without seasoned locks such as Mostert and Lood de Jager during the 2024 Rugby Championship.
Deon Davids, Bok assistant coach, confirmed on Friday that all players in the squad are fit for selection.
The departure of Frans Malherbe due to injury has sparked further intrigue about the tighthead prop role, with Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, and Wilco Louw vying for the No 3 jersey.
Du Toit’s strong showings at Bath have reportedly made him a standout contender to start, and his presence alongside Davids in an online press briefing on Friday, is a strong indicator that he could be involved in Edinburgh.
However, Louw’s solid scrummaging style aligns closely with Malherbe’s, and Koch has proven a valuable Bomb Squad asset.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post Rassie springs surprise against Scotland? appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
