The Springboks will soon kick off their Rugby Championship campaign when they meet the Wallabies in Johannesburg on Saturday 16 August, and it’s quite likely that Rassie Erasmus already knows what his team selection will look like for this opening encounter.
When it comes to the all-important flyhalf position, veteran Handre Pollard is probably at the top of the pecking order, but it has become an interesting battle for that No 10 jersey between other dynamic playmakers such as Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Manie Libbok.
Historically, the role of the flyhalf general has held such importance that very few coaches have rotated or experimented in this position. However, this is not the case when it comes to Rassie Erasmus.
In fact, Erasmus has insisted there is no first-choice flyhalf in the Springbok squad, and it appears that selection at No 10 will continue to change depending on the opposition.
“Everything depends on who our opposition is on the day and what our plan is. I like to believe it gives us options,” said Erasmus. “By not having a first-choice flyhalf, it makes it more difficult for opposing teams to analyse us and makes us less predictable.
“Who we choose depends on who we play and whether we go with a 5-3, 6-2 or 7-1 split on the bench. With a 6-2 bench, guys like Damian Willemse or Sacha could work nicely.”
REMINDER OF THE REMAINING SPRINGBOK SCHEDULE FOR 2025:
- 16 August: vs Australia, Ellis Park, Johannesburg. Kick off: 17:10.
- 23 August: vs Australia, DHL Stadium, Cape Town. Kick off: 17:10.
- 6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland. Kick off: 09:05.
- 13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington. Kick off: 09:05.
- 27 September: vs Argentina, Kings Park, Durban. Kick off: 17:10.
- 4 October: vs Argentina, London. Kick off: 15:00.
- (*Still to be confirmed) – 1 November: vs Japan, Brighton. Kick off: TBD.
- 8 November: vs France, Paris. Kick off: 22:10.
- 15 November: vs Italy, Turin. Kick off: 14:40
- 22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin. Kick off: 19:40.
- 29 November: vs Wales, Cardiff. Kick off: 17:10.
WHICH SA FIXTURES ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR?
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