Rassie Erasmus has a difficult task when it comes to keeping supporters happy with his team selections but cannot afford to be swayed by public opinion.
If we have learned anything during two Rugby World Cups it is that Erasmus and the Springboks brains trust do a far better job picking the team than people who spend too much time on social media.
Springbok fans need to trust the process
Still, Erasmus believes that the squad picked to face Ireland is as strong as it could be.
“We named the best squad available for the Castle Incoming Series, and with squad depth being one of our key pillars as we build toward to the 2027 Rugby World Cup and the Test against Portugal, we thought it would be beneficial to us to name a standby squad with a few players who will join us at training sporadically in the next few weeks,” said Erasmus.
“Unfortunately, a handful of players are carrying injuries and were ruled out of the selection mix, but our plan to build depth in the last few years and expose players to Test rugby in the build-up to the 2023 RWC and against Wales last weekend certainly paid off.
“It’s great to have the overseas-based and Vodacom Bulls players back in the mix and with many of them being Rugby World Cup-winners, they will bring experience and calm heads to the team,” said Erasmus.
“Over and above that, some of the young players who were part of our travelling squad to London really impressed us over the last two weeks, and while some of them have been included in this group, we were limited in terms of the number of players we could pick, so there will always be a few unlucky players.”
Time to step up
Erasmus welcomed the uncapped players to the initial squad of 39 – Johan Grobbelaar and Jan-Hendrik Wessels, as well as those in the standby squad. He hoped they would grab the opportunity with both hands.
“Johan and Jan-Hendrik really impressed us at the alignment camps we hosted in the year, and they are talented players with a bright future, so we are keen to see what they can do and the dynamic they add to the team,” said Erasmus.
“They are skilful players with immense talent and their selection will offer them a great opportunity to make their mark.
“Jan-Hendrik is equally efficient at prop and hooker, which increases our front-row options and hopefully with their talent and drive, they will add great value to the squad.
“We also saw what the uncapped players in the travelling squad for the Wales Test have to offer and we have no doubt that if they receive an opportunity to run out in the green and gold this season, they will give their best and wear the badge with pride.”