Rassie Erasmus has made it clear that he’s not heading to Europe this November to experiment, as the Springboks target an unbeaten three-match tour.
According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Erasmus has shifted his focus towards an undefeated tour – an achievement the world champions haven’t managed since 2013.
The Springboks will get their tour underway against Scotland in Edinburgh on 10 November, before tackling England at Twickenham six days later and finishing against Wales in Cardiff on 23 November.
After a season where Erasmus showcased his knack for innovation and adaptability, especially with selection calls that gave younger players a chance in the July series and Rugby Championship, he is set to go full strength for the three Tests.
Erasmus has used 49 players so far this year, giving debuts to the likes of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ben-Jason Dixon, Edwill van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Johan Grobbelaar, while bringing Aphelele Fassi, Salmaan Moerat and Elrigh Louw back into the Bok fold.
While Erasmus’ November approach is a departure from this, he has hinted that the squad rotation and tactical trials will resume next year, when the Boks are set to face Italy twice and Spain in a July Test series.
Originally, it was expected that the Springboks would face Georgia in the third Test next July, but recent updates point towards a test against Spain instead, a side that’s on the rise in European rugby.
Phto: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
