South Africa could be poised to field a weakened side in their Rugby Championship opener against Australia in Johannesburg on July 20 as coach Rassie Erasmus juggles his players to ensure they peak during the World Cup in Japan.
The Springboks must travel to New Zealand and Argentina over the next month in a shortened Southern Hemisphere championship.
Erasmus said he will “split our resources”, which includes sending an advanced party of 15 players to New Zealand next week, well ahead of their July 27 meeting in Wellington.
“Obviously the ideal is to win the Rugby Championship and build confidence going into the World Cup,” Erasmus told reporters on Thursday.
“But if you just purely think of the logistics… playing Australia here and then getting on the plane and arriving on a Monday or Tuesday, and thinking you have a realistic chance of beating New Zealand in New Zealand?
“So with the hand we got dealt, we have to split our resources. However, it also gives us chance to work with some fringe players that we haven’t had a chance to work with.”
Erasmus said there are only a few members of his Boks squad who are absolute certainties to start in their positions, and so doesn’t want to use the label of a ‘B’ team for the match against the Wallabies.
“You will see when the side is announced for Australia, it isn’t an A or B side, I can give you my word. It will be two competitive sides, because we want to win both games (against Australia and New Zealand),” he added.
“When you look at it, what is the difference between Lukhanyo Am and Jesse Kriel? What is the difference between Beast Mtawarira and Steven Kitshoff? What is the difference between Trevor Nyakane and Frans Malherbe?
“What is the difference between Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert? Or Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager? There are very few players where you can say this one is streets ahead of this one.
“That’s the nice thing at this stage, there are four or five positions where you can say this guy is clear cut, first choice. Those first clear-cut choices will probably go to New Zealand (next week).”
After their clash in New Zealand, South Africa travel to Salta to face Argentina on August 10, before a home meeting against the South Americans in a one-off test in Pretoria a week later.
Rugby wizard
Guest
The bok squad is so strong that not even the best 6 in the world last year Steph Du Toit is guaranteed a starting spot. The Wallabies should worry if Elstadt starts at 6 he could bully that backrow by himself he is a terrific player,he is Skelton times 2.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Just hope it is a REALLY weak side. I doubt that in reality.
Fox
Roar Guru
Yes I think u r right Pk but I would rather have Hodge at 15 and Beale on the bench - Foley is the incumbent so should start but one feels he is playing for the right to keep his starting spot as well
PeterK
Roar Guru
Foley, Beale, Naisarani / Valetini
Fox
Roar Guru
Who starts at 10 and 15 and 8 will interesting
PeterK
Roar Guru
Cheika aim is to play the same side every game and the same style trying (but failing) to win every game. There is no nuance or shades of grey from Cheika.
Fox
Roar Guru
It also tells you PK which victory they value more and they think an A- side will be enough to beat Australia but if,as he says, there about 5 players who are definitely 1st choice players then it is effectively a B+ side really as that is 1 x 3rd of the run on side. NZ are resting many of the Crusaders AB’s in the 1st game against the Pumas as well. This is what the AB’s and Boks do every WC year so it is to be expected but the AB’s will play their best available side in the 1st Bledisloe game as Hansen has already stated and as there is only two this year. The Wallabies need wins to build confidence before the WC, and badly, so I doubt Cheika will do the same but we shall see.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Aah, the luxury of Depth.
PeterK
Roar Guru
shouldn't that be 'Could', 'would', or 'should'. The first is that it is a literal possibility The second is that they will The third is that it is the best option The answer seems to be all 3. They can, they will, they shall
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
And the mind games begin! I don't think it's a surprise to anyone that coaches will use the tests going into the RWC as a chance to try and cement their RWC team. While the results in the RC are going to be interesting I'm pretty sure that whatever team wins the RWC, their fans and governing body will be happy and won't give a toss about any competition or games leading up to that. If England win, will anyone give a toss that they didn't win the 6 nations last year? I don't think so
Stu
Roar Rookie
'Could', or 'can'..?