Rassie Erasmus leaves door open for late Bok changes

Rassie Erasmus has left the door open for further late changes to the Springboks team for Saturday’s third Test against New Zealand at FNB Stadium, with Johannesburg’s weather potentially influencing his final selection.

Rassie Erasmus monitoring Johannesburg weather

The Springboks coach made headlines before last weekend’s 33-26 victory in Cape Town when he switched his entire starting front row approximately an hour before kick-off.

Ox Nché, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw had originally been selected to start but moved to the bench, with Gerhard Steenekamp, Deon Fourie and Thomas du Toit promoted into the starting XV.

Erasmus later explained that the decision was influenced by changing weather conditions, with the anticipated wet conditions failing to materialise before kick-off.

“We’ve had the most beautiful weather for 13 weeks in Johannesburg and now there is a chance for rain. And that does change the game and approach,” said Erasmus.

“It makes handling tougher, it makes box kicking tougher, it makes players who want to strip the ball more effective and scrummaging is a little bit more difficult with a lighter pack.

Springboks could make more late changes

Weather could again influence South Africa’s approach ahead of the third Test, with Erasmus acknowledging that rain and a potentially wet surface can significantly alter how his team plays.

He highlighted handling, box kicking, ball-stripping opportunities and scrummaging as areas particularly affected by wet conditions.

“If it’s clear and dry this will be the team that’s starting, but if it rains we might make a change or two,” Erasmus said.

The coach stressed that South Africa retain the ability to alter their line-up close to kick-off, with the final team sheet only officially signed an hour before the match.

South Africa and New Zealand enter the contest level at 1-1 in the four-Test Greatest Rivalry series, increasing the significance of Saturday’s meeting in Soweto.