Springboks Squad for All Blacks Clash: Rassie Erasmus Explains Delay Announcement
- Rassie Erasmus has addressed the question of when he will name his squad for the clash against the All Blacks, having kept the list under wraps until now
- He denied that the delay was a mind game, explaining that several factors influenced the timing of the announcement
- Like the Springboks, the All Blacks are also dealing with injuries and have yet to confirm their squad
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has revealed when he will release the squad for Saturday’s clash against the All Blacks at Eden Park, but the starting XV remains a mystery.
Erasmus has broken with his usual routine of announcing squads on Monday or Tuesday, as he did for the two rounds against Australia.
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On Monday, he confirmed the squad will now be revealed on Thursday, September 9, at 8 a.m. South African time (6 p.m. New Zealand time).
He explained that the decision is not about mind games, but rather to manage injuries and avoid giving the All Blacks early insight into South Africa’s lineup.
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“People see everything as mind games. But internally, the guys know on Sunday evening who will play and who is bracketed with whom,” Erasmus said.
Assistant coach Tony Brown described the upcoming Tests as “the toughest the Springboks will face since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.”
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Erasmus explains more about why he will disclose the squad on Thursday
Erasmus added that the All Blacks are also dealing with injuries and uncertainty over their squad, which makes the delayed announcement necessary.
While injury lists might suggest one side could be at a disadvantage, Erasmus noted his own team has several unavailable players as well. The Thursday reveal, he said, will level the playing field, forcing both sides to do extra preparation and assessment before kickoff.
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In addition, Erasmus also revealed that the final squad is unlikely to contain major surprises, as the Boks prefer stability when facing New Zealand. Form, fitness, and availability will be key considerations in finalising the squad to take on the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday.
Erasmus spoke in depth about Siya Kolisi's injury and availability
Erasmus said that captain Siya Kolisi may or may not feature due to the niggle. Kolisi, who missed the previous clash against the Wallabies in Cape Town, a game the Boks won 30-22, was included in the squad, which was warmly welcomed by fans in New Zealand last Wednesday.
He sustained a calf strain during South Africa’s historic defeat to Australia at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg in August.
In that match, he surprisingly filled the No. 8 position, left vacant since Jasper Wiese’s suspension during the Italy game. Wiese is expected to return for the second fixture against New Zealand on 13 September.
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Eben Etzebeth makes history at Ellis Park
Briefly News previously reported that the Springboks veteran Eben Etzebeth made history in August at Ellis Park Stadium in the Rugby Championship clash against Australia.
The Boks, however, endured heartbreak after surrendering a commanding 22-0 lead to suffer a crushing 22-38 defeat.
It was their first loss to Australia at Ellis Park since 1963, and ended a 12-year unbeaten home run against the Wallabies.
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