Van Staden Defends Springboks’ Rotation Policy Ahead Of Wallabies Clash
Springbok flanker Marco van Staden has dismissed suggestions that the 10 changes made to the South African team for their clash against the Wallabies in Perth on Saturday (11:55) are disruptive to their momentum.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is balancing the desire to maintain the team’s strong form with the need to build squad depth for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. As such, he has included a mix of experienced veterans and promising young players in the starting lineup.
Van Staden, who was part of the World Cup-winning squad in France last year, disagreed with the critics’ negative view of the changes. “I wouldn’t say it’s a disruption. I don’t think this team needs any more motivation than we currently have for this match.
“All of us want to use this opportunity, and we took a lot of confidence from training this week. The intensity was really up there, and we want to take that energy into the game.”
The Springboks’ backline boasts a wealth of experience, with the exception of fullback Aphelele Fassi and halfbacks Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Morne van den Berg. The bench is also filled with World Cup-winning players.
Van Staden highlighted the advantage of having several players from the Vodacom Bulls in the starting forward pack. “Many of us have played together quite often at the Bulls, which certainly gives us confidence,” said Van Staden. “We’ve been working together well at training (in the Bok camp too), so we are excited about this opportunity.”
One of the team’s primary focus areas this week has been improving their breakdown play, which was a challenge in the previous match against the Wallabies. “There has been a big focus on that area of the game this week and to correct the wrongs of last week,” said Van Staden.
“We’ve been working on trying to control what we can and to ensure that we are ready for whatever they throw at us in that department.”
The Springboks concluded their main on-field preparations on Wednesday and will have Thursday off before resuming training on Friday.
