The Springboks’ recent injury replacements are certainly a case of ‘hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie’.
Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks’ head coach, raised some heads last week when he switched backs and forwards ahead of the November Test Series.
Initially, utility forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels was replaced by prop Wilco Louw and hooker Johan Grobbelaar in a similar fashion.
However, utility back Damian Willemse was replaced with loose forward Cameron Hanekom, and prop Frans Malherbe by flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse.
Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids explained that it is all part of their plan as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup.
“The head coach and the selectors have a clear understanding of the planning and direction we want to take.
“I believe that part of our strategic intentions is to increase depth and experience leading up to the [2027] World Cup.
“Obviously we look at the broader squad in terms of what is needed and where we stand with caps and how we align in terms of reaching that specific goal.”
He added: “Although we may not invite a prop for prop, there is a larger plan in place, based on the squad and what we want to achieve.
“So, yeah, I think everyone is aligned and everyone is clear in terms of what we want to do.”
After wrapping up their training camp in Jersey, the Boks arrived in Edinburgh on Sunday for their match against Scotland.
Scotland, who are now ranked seventh in the World Rugby Rankings, will be full of confidence after defeating Fiji 57-17 last weekend.
“There is no such thing as an easy test match.” “We know we’ll be up against a strong Scottish team,” stated Davids.
“Many of their players also play for the Glasgow Warriors, who won the URC last season, so they’ll put us to the test.
“They have quality players, and they like to use the entire field, so know it’s going to be a proper Test match.”
On their regular end-of-year tour, the Springboks will face Scotland in Edinburgh (Sunday, November 10), England in London (Saturday, November 16), and Wales in Cardiff (Saturday, November 23).
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