Erasmus Compares Youngster To Smith After Esterhuizen Injury
With Andre Esterhuizen ruled out and the Springboks potentially needing another hybrid utility option in their backline, attention has turned to whether Paul de Villiers could provide a similar solution if required.
Esterhuizen, who suffered an injury in the opening minute of the Sharks’ URC clash against Cardiff on 23 October, has been an important part of the Springbok setup thanks to his ability to operate in both the backline and the forward pack.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus believes the youngster has the necessary skills, speed and rugby intelligence to fulfil a similar role, although the Springboks are not planning to deploy him in that position unless an emergency arises.
Asked whether De Villiers could offer a similar hybrid option, Erasmus suggested it was certainly a possibility.
“Probably. If it’s not forced upon us, we won’t force it ourselves,” Erasmus said.
The Springboks have several options available to cover potential injuries in the backline, particularly if they opt for a 6-2 split on the bench.
“If you go with a 6-2 split, obviously Grant (Williams) can cover wing and Sacha (Feinberg-Mngomezulu) can cover 12 and 15, with Manie (Libbok) at 10. If you don’t get three injuries in the backline, then hopefully between the different backs that we have, Jesse Kriel can cover wing, Damian Willemse can cover 12, Ethan (Hooker) can cover 12 and 13, so hopefully we can mix and match and don’t have to go to that,” he said.
However, Erasmus made it clear that De Villiers possesses the attributes to provide an additional option should circumstances demand it.
“Paul definitely has the skills and the speed, as well as the feeling for the game. He has done it for us at training sessions. I think he can do it as well as a guy like Kwagga does it for us,” said the two-time Rugby World Cup-winning coach.
“We are not planning on putting him there unless it’s an emergency, but I think he has got that skill.”
The comparison with Smith is particularly interesting, given the valuable utility role the Springbok forward has played over the years, providing cover in different positions when required.
For now, De Villiers is unlikely to be deployed in that role unless injuries force the Springboks’ hand. Nevertheless, Erasmus’ comments suggest that the coaching staff have confidence in his ability to adapt and provide another option when needed.
