Two standby forwards are set to join the Springbok squad in Europe on Sunday ahead of next Saturday’s Test against Ireland in Dublin
Two standby forwards are set to join the Springbok squad in Europe on Sunday ahead of next Saturday’s Test against Ireland in Dublin.
According to reports, Bongi Mbonambi has been called up.
The experienced hooker recently turned out for the Barbarians against an All Blacks XV in London after missing on out selection for Boks’ end-of-year tour.
Erasmus is also expected to bring in a tighthead prop, with Neethling Fouche tipped as the frontrunner.
Fouche’s call-up prospects have improved following an injury to seasoned tighthead Vincent Koch, who is expected to be sidelined for up to a month.
Rassie Erasmus admits that picking Marco van Staden at No 8 – and as back-up hooker – for Saturday’s Test against Italy in Turin comes with plenty of risk.
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.”
