Rassie Erasmus Explains What Could Make Springboks Play Mobi-Unit Coach Against Wales
- Rassie Erasmus has opened up on the reason behind his decision to include Springboks mobi-unit coach in his squad to face Wales
- The Boks manager included a veteran who decided to retire from the sport after winning the rugby world cup in 2023
- Erasmus' decision to name a coach in his squad sparked different opinions from Boks supporters on social media
Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus insisted he was left with no choice but to go with a 7–1 split on the bench, adding mobi-unit coach Duane Vermeulen and Ntuthuko Mchunu as the extra options in jerseys 24 and 25.
Source: Getty Images
The Springboks are heading into the match after their three consecutive wins against France in Paris, Italy in Turin, and Ireland in Dublin.
With numerous first-choice stars absent, Erasmus unveiled a weakened lineup and confirmed to the media that prop Mchunu had been registered as player No. 24, while the retired Vermeulen was included as No. 25.
Cobus Reinach is set to reach his 50th Test appearance, standing out as the sole backline player in the 7-1 bench formation. He is expected to cover both scrumhalf and wing positions, although the SA rugby coach noted that flanker Ben-Jason Dixon and loose forward Kwagga Smith might also slot into the backline if needed.
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Erasmus on playing mobi-unit coach against Wales
Erasmus confirmed that the squad is just two injuries shy of calling on mobi-unit coach Duane Vermeulen for their Test clash with Wales on Saturday in Cardiff.
Vermeulen retired after the 2023 Rugby World Cup with 76 Test caps and is now part of Rassie’s coaching crew.
When questioned about Wales' recent fortunes in rugby, Erasmus acknowledged their past successes and passionate approach, expressing confidence that they could find a way back, while noting that their much younger squad could pose a challenge for the Springboks with their relentless drive over 80 minutes.
He added that with the right mindset, his team could grind it out and eventually pull ahead on the scoreboard.
Source: Getty Images
Here is what rugby fans are saying about Erasmus' decision to include Vermeulen in the Springboks squad.
Karel Karel wrote:
"If that's so, now I really wish we could play England as well. Just to have Dwayne vs Pollack and quiet him down a bit."
Stephen Sheridan said:
"The bloke is nearly 40. I would think most international teams would relish a 40-year-old opposition rather than a 25-year-old."
Ruan Koegelenberg commented:
"Feel sorry for Wales, the whole team will need to go for 'therapy' after the Springboks nightmare scrum."
Dawid Blaauw implied:
"Absolutely no one likes Rassie. SA rugby will not ever be at this level once he retires."
Zattie Sanderson shared:
"I think Duane is still better than Evan Roos. Good choice, Rassie 👌."
Sibusiso Dondashe reacted:
"We do have young players like Evans Roos from Stomers, but he didn't call him, and he decided to bring a guy who is nearly gonna be 40 years very soon."
Lwandile Madikizela added:
"There are so many hungry young South African players playing that could easily fill in for injured forwards playing right here at home."
Erasmus on bold substitution vs France
Briefly News previously reported that Eramus explained the reason behind his bold substitution in the Springboks' win over France in Paris.
The SA rugby coach decided to sub off some of the veterans of the team, including the captain, Siya Kolisi, who was making his 100th Test cap in the match.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
