Rassie: Marco move could backfire on Boks

Erasmus has made 11 changes to the Springbok starting XV that beat France in Paris.

The bench, meanwhile, could pass for either a 6-2 or 5-3 split between forwards and backs. Gerhard Steenekamp and Wilco Louw are the only specialist props on the bench, which also includes locks RG Snyman and Ruan Nortje, flank Kwagga Smith and Andre Esterhuizen, a hybrid who was used at centre and flank against France.

Erasmus has opted to start Van Staden at No 8, while also tasking the 30-year-old with covering hooker in the absence of a third specialist No 2 on tour.

Marco is obviously our cover at hooker,” Erasmus explained on Thursday. “He’s starting in another position but he’ll be our hooker cover. We’ve been doing that with Marco for the last five years; in the previous World Cup he played in the front row against Tonga.”

Erasmus said the decision formed part of a long-term plan to develop Van Staden’s versatility – similar to how Esterhuizen has been used at centre and flank.

“If he gets through this Italy Test well and plays a few minutes at hooker, that’s another box ticked. But it might also backfire on us, and if it doesn’t work, we’ll have to make another plan.”

Erasmus conceded that the move carries real jeopardy – particularly if injuries strike early – but said it’s a calculated risk.

“Marco’s one of the fittest guys in our team. There’s definitely a risk, but we’re rolling the dice,” he said. “He might play 60 minutes at No 8 and 20 at hooker. We’ve played him there before, and he’s worked hard on his throwing. He’ll make a few mistakes, but we want to see if he can deal with it.”

 “It’s exactly like going with a 7-1 or 6-2 split – you gamble, and sometimes it can make the game very close if things don’t go your way. But we also want to accommodate Marco because he plays behind Siya [Kolisi]. He’s brilliant at the breakdown and with ball in hand – that’s why we want him involved.”