Rassie Erasmus' strategic maneuvers in the Springboks' squad selection are coming to light as another star player returns from injury. With the team's locking crisis and injury concerns, Erasmus is making calculated moves to strengthen his lineup.
The latest addition to the squad is Lood de Jager, a veteran lock who has been named in the starting line-up for the Japan Rugby League One third-place play-off fixture. De Jager's return is significant, as he has been out of action for seven months due to a knee injury. His experience and versatility as a loosehead lock make him a valuable asset, especially with the team's current locking crisis.
But Erasmus' strategic thinking goes beyond de Jager's return. He is also planning to utilize Pieter-Steph du Toit in the second-row, a position du Toit has previously filled due to lock injuries. Du Toit's recovery from a shoulder injury is timely, as he brings a unique skill set to the team. His strong scrummaging abilities and knowledge of the team's lineout calls make him a valuable asset in the second-row.
The Springboks' second-row stocks are looking promising, with Ruan Nortje, Franco Mostert, and Junior Bok captain Riley Norton also in the selection frame. However, there are injury concerns elsewhere, with several key players ruled out or in doubt for the July internationals. This includes Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Aphelele Fassi, Grant Williams, Morne van den Berg, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, and Ethan Hooker.
Despite the injury concerns, Erasmus is confident in his squad's potential. He has been handed a boost with de Jager's return and is planning to utilize du Toit in a new position. The team's locking crisis and injury concerns have forced Erasmus to make strategic moves, and his calculated approach could pay off in the upcoming international season.
