Thank goodness Fourie du Preez will be back in the No 9 jersey. The Boks also need a fit Frans Steyn for the November overseas tour.
There is so much good that came out of the come from behind win against the Pumas in Mendoza, the drilling of Australia in Brisbane and the refusal to raise the white flag in Auckland.
But there are also player selections that can improve the Springboks.
Fourie du Preez stands tallest on the list and he will no doubt be thrust into the No 9 jersey for the Test against the Wobblies in Cape Town.
Frans Steyn is still injured but the Springboks will be a better Test team when a fit again and trimmed down Steyn is playing, probably at fullback.
Up front Jannie du Plessis looks in need of a rest. He’s played non-stop for the best part of the last three years. Coenie Oostuizen needs more game time at tighthead, and Australia’s powderpuff scrum would be a good start.
Bismarck du Plessis, in Brisbane and Auckland, confirmed he is the most imposing hooker probably to ever play the modern game. Adriaan Strauass is a fine back-up but he is second to the Bismarck, as is every other hooker in the world.
Bakkies Botha also offers more than Flip van der Merwe. The two are not in each other’s class.
Eben Etzebeth is playing fine rugby but lock (Van der Merwe and Juandre Kruger were Matfield and Botha’s second stringers for a reason) doesn’t have the look of a World No 1 team. (Steph Du Toit looks class)
Jaque Fourie will return in the next 18 months and will add substance to the No 13 jersey options.
Other players are also on the mend after absence from the game. Here I think of Schalk Burger.
It is looking good in the evolution of the Boks but this is still a team on the rise who are still some way off reaching an apex.
Lots of class still missing and undoubtedly the wee abs are in trouble once all this comes together. given one of threir tries was a no try seven points lead at home against 14 men was very poor. The writing is on the wall.
