Dion Fourie says Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will resist the urge to field a 7-1 bench option for Saturday’s game against the All Blacks at Ellis Park.
In a rematch of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, South Africa host New Zealand in the Rugby Championship in Johannesburg this week before meeting their rivals for the first time at the Cape Town Stadium on September 7.
In an interview with the Sunday newspaper, agreementFourie is not convinced the Boks will pick their 7-1 Bomb Squad for a third successive test match against the All Blacks.
The tactic proved effective last year, with a record-breaking 35-7 win at Twickenham and an emphatic 12-11 win in the World Cup final, but injuries and condition could factor into Erasmus’ decision.
The absence of key strikers Rodrigo De Jager, Franco Mostert and Jean Claine will significantly reduce the depth of the Boks’ squad, making a 7-1 defeat less likely.
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Forry, who is currently recovering from knee surgery, suspects Erasmus will favour a more balanced 6-2 bench due to the fast-paced nature of the Highveld Test.
““(7-1 Bench) It could be reconsidered but it’s doubtful that it will be tested at Ellis Park.,” Fourie said. agreementHe pointed to the availability of Jasper Wiese and RG Snyman as important factors in the bench composition.
“It’s going to be a quick test at Highveld in good weather, so a 7-1 bench won’t be able to replace a lot of backs. They get tired in games like that.
“I think it’ll be 6-2, especially with Jasper back and RG back.”
If Erasmus hold on to their 6-2 win, familiar faces like Ox Antje, RG Snyman, Quagga Smith, Malcolm Marks and Handre Pollard could return, although the final word on Wiese’s fitness following his recent suspension is yet to be made.
Photo: Ian Kington/AFP
