Over the first three Tests of the year – and the warm-up game against the Barbarians – Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has mixed and matched with selections, while using around 45 players.
In fact, in the three matches since the opener against the invitational team in Cape Town, the Springbok coaches made 10, 15 and 16 personnel changes in successive weeks.
Last week, some players who weren’t used against Georgia were already given some time ‘off’, and there will be a bit of a break for most players before the Springboks begin preparations for their Rugby Championship opener on 16 August at Ellis Park when they meet Australia.
This week, though, Rassie Erasmus is set to confirmed a more settled 36-man squad.
“We’ll name 36 guys on Tuesday for the Australia series and within that squad there’ll be one or two guys that we experiment with, but the bulk of that squad will be experienced players who are suited to the way we want to play,” he said.
“The nice thing is that we’ve got a group of 48 players or so that we’ve used this year and there’s quite a couple that we’d also like to give opportunities to like Jaden (Hendrikse), Jordan (Hendrikse), Quan Horn, Renzo (du Plessis).
“But this was a series where we wanted to experiment a little bit so getting the scorelines we did is pretty satisfying. But the Rugby Championship is definitely a step up.”
Springboks to dial down on experiments for Rugby Championship
The Springboks now have a three-week break before the opening Test in the Rugby Championship, with Erasmus indicating selection would be more consistent.
“We’re fairly happy if you look over the four games (to start the season),” said Erasmus.
“We scored close to 50 points in each match and apart from the first Italy test defended pretty well.
“Georgia were physical and disruptive but that’s not an excuse for us making so many errors, but I guess we must understand that if we chop and change teams like we have as we’re building squad depth, you’ll lose rhythm.
“We found that again in the last 20 minutes and we can be fairly happy with the scoreline although one can always do better.”
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