Rassie Erasmus has backed Damian Willemse to start at fullback against Argentina in Durban, while explaining tighthead prop Wilco Louw’s continued selection on the bench.
The Springbok coach has made two personnel changes to his starting XV for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash at Kings Park, with Willemse replacing the injured Aphelele Fassi and Damian de Allende returning at inside centre.
In the pack, Eben Etzebeth comes in for injured lock Lood de Jager.
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Erasmus said Willemse’s selection at 15 was straightforward once Fassi was ruled out.
“Firstly, Fassi’s injured and he’s out for quite some time,” Erasmus explained. “We were quite honest about Damian – he was struggling a bit with form, so we brought him closer to the game at 12 [against the All Blacks in Wellington] where things can be more instinctive. Then he shifted to 15 and looked just as comfortable.
“He’s done many great things for us. People think he’s young, but he’s already won World Cups and a British & Irish Lions series. Sometimes you just need one game to get you back to form. I think it’s quite an obvious choice with Fassi out.”
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Erasmus added that the retention of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at 10 and De Allende’s selection alongside Canan Moodie in midfield was about rewarding form and combinations, while keeping flexibility in mind.
“Mannie [Libbok] played really well [off the bench], but Sacha was excellent until he got the head knock. He also covered fullback well.
“We’ll see how things go. If we’re in control, we might move Sacha to 15 again, maybe Damian back to 12 and Andre [Esterhuizen] into the mix later. It gives us options.”
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On Moodie’s combination with De Allende, Erasmus said: “We’ve had Damian and Canan together before. Jesse [Kriel] will still play a lot for us. We felt Canan is a little more instinctive closer to the ball rather than out on the wing. He and Damian complement each other well.”
Asked about starting Thomas du Toit ahead of Louw, Erasmus drew comparisons with how the Boks have managed their hookers.
“There was a long time when Bongi started and Malcolm [Marx] finished games, and it worked for us. Wilco is one of the best scrummagers in the world, no doubt. Thomas is technically very good, but his mobility around the park is excellent. Against teams like Argentina and New Zealand, who bring so much pace, that counts.
“Wilco brings the edge in scrums and also when the game slows down. So it’s about what each player offers in different scenarios.”
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Erasmus emphasised the challenge of facing Felipe Contepomi’s side, who remain in contention for the Rugby Championship title after beating the All Blacks in Buenos Aires and the Wallabies in Sydney.
“I thought they could have won both Australia games,” Erasmus said. “They’ve got a lot of experience in their coaching staff. They’re fearless, well-organised.
“We love playing against Argentina. They’ve beaten us before, and since I’ve been involved, they’ve given us some tough lessons. They’re a real threat.”
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
