Erasmus Dismisses Springbok Lock Age Concerns

Insisting that performance and physical output remain the only criteria that matter when selecting players, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has dismissed concerns about the age profile of his lock stocks.

Speaking about the depth in the second row and the inclusion of young prospects such as Junior Springbok captain Riley Norton, Erasmus explained that age only becomes a factor when it affects a player’s ability to perform at the required level.

“With the lock profile, we look at output,” Erasmus said.

“If you are too old and your body is breaking down, then you are too old. If you are too old and cannot get over the advantage line, cannot lift in the lineout, can’t tackle, or can’t give us the battle rates that we want, then you are probably too old.”

The Springbok coach pointed to veteran campaigner Franco Mostert as an example of a player whose age has not diminished his value.

“I don’t think the age of a guy like Franco Mostert will influence the way he is playing,” Erasmus said.

“It has never been the age profile that worries us. The age profile perhaps goes hand in hand with injuries.”

The Springboks have been forced to navigate several injury setbacks in the lock department. RG Snyman remains sidelined, while Jean Kleyn is also unavailable. Salmaan Moerat has suffered a serious neck injury, and rising Lions star Ruan Venter, who had been earmarked as a lock option at Test level, is also facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“RG is out, and he was always someone who made the matchday 23, either as a starter or an impact player,” Erasmus explained. “Jean Kleyn was a valuable backup. Salmaan is out for a long time. He has a neck injury.

“Ruan Venter, with the help of the Lions, was someone we were willing to play at lock. We were excited about him, but he’s out for a long time.”

Despite those setbacks, Erasmus remains confident in the depth available to the world champions. Lood de Jager and Eben Etzebeth have returned to fitness, while Mostert, Cobus Wiese, and Bulls captain Ruan Nortje are all in the selection mix.

“Lood is back, Eben is back, Franco is ready, and then we have Cobus Wiese. We also have Ruan Nortje, who is playing for the Bulls,” Erasmus said.

Moerat’s injury ultimately created an opportunity for Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden to return to the national setup.

“Of all those locks I have mentioned, only two are long-term absentees — RG and Ruan from the Lions — who are out for the whole season,” Erasmus said.

“All the other guys are available, but because Salmaan is also a long-term casualty, we had to bring in Ruben.”

Erasmus also revealed that some of the more experienced locks will be managed carefully during the upcoming fixtures, with several players set to be rested for the clash against the Barbarians.

Meanwhile, one of the most intriguing names in the wider squad is Riley Norton, the Junior Springbok captain who has rapidly emerged as one of South Africa’s brightest forward prospects.

While Erasmus was careful not to place undue pressure on the youngster, he spoke glowingly about Norton’s maturity and leadership qualities.

“Riley knows which teams he fits into for next week, so he’ll get some proper game time,” Erasmus revealed.

“We don’t want to single out a player, but he is definitely someone who has a maturity about him, even as a young guy coming into the Springbok setup.

“He is not at all windgat. There is an aura around him that suggests he understands what professional rugby is about, and that is what makes him such a great leader for the Junior Boks.”

The current injury list has forced Erasmus to broaden his options in the second row. The Springboks have always been spoilt for choice in the lock department, and the return of established stars, combined with the emergence of exciting young talent, bodes well for the future.

Erasmus’ message remains clear and consistent: selection is not determined by age, but by the ability to consistently deliver at Springbok level.