“Not Arrogance, It’s Respect” — Rassie Explains Delayed South Africa Team Announcement
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has moved to quash suggestions that South Africa’s decision to delay their team announcement until Thursday is an act of arrogance, insisting the move is instead a sign of respect for the All Blacks.
The Springboks will face New Zealand in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry in four consecutive Tests, beginning at Ellis Park on Saturday. The two sides will then meet in Cape Town, Soweto and, ultimately, Baltimore in the United States.
Erasmus announced his team on the Monday ahead of South Africa’s previous Test against Argentina but has opted to wait until Thursday this time around – the same day New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie is expected to name his All Blacks side.
“Yeah, I think the announcement being only on Thursday is down to the respect for New Zealand and knowing how tough this one is going to be,” Erasmus explained.
“For this one specifically, we think the less time they have to prepare for our team, the better.
“So, it’s not a matter of arrogance, it’s about respect.”
While the fitness of captain Siya Kolisi and prop Ox Nche remains uncertain, with this week proving crucial for the duo, Erasmus has a wealth of options available at fly-half.
Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu have all featured for the Springboks this year, with each offering a different skill set.
Erasmus confirmed that two of the three will be selected for the opening Test, although he is keeping his cards close to his chest until Thursday.
“We’re going to pick two for this weekend, and that will be announced on Thursday,” he said.
“I’m pretty sure during the next four weeks, with injuries expected, you’ll see all three play during the series.”
With four Tests against the All Blacks spread across four consecutive weekends, Erasmus is likely to rely heavily on his squad depth, particularly with injuries already beginning to test both teams.
For now, however, the focus remains firmly on Saturday’s opening encounter, with Erasmus determined to reveal as little as possible before then.
