Fact is based on yesterday’s fiasco – it is clear that the following players need to go – but the replacements are not always available:-
Jantjies
His decision-making was poor and his defense worse. Time to phase him out completely. If Erasmus do not start with Pollard – Willemse is always available.
De Klerk
Started the tests in June like a house on fire – his passing was a bit erratic – but it was not a problem. Yesterday he made bugger-up after bugger-up and gave away three penalties as well. His defense was also questionable,
The problem is that there is no real replacement on tour, Cronje always was questionable so he is not a real improvement.
Whiteley
I do not think this hard worker is physical enough at 8. He should be replaced asap.
There is a rumour that Vermeulen will be joining the Springbok squad in Wellington. May at this stage have fitness problems - but if he is in fact joining the squad he should play at 8,
If not - I would move Du Toit to 8.
Blindsider
It is unfortunate that Erasmus made a serious mistake with Louw and the best resources to replace him in the squad is not in Australasia.
If Vermeulen is absent and DuToit moved to 8 – I would rather play Van Staden at 7, In any event Erassmus should rather call up a back-up 7 to play in that position.
Mostert
Made zero contribution to Tight 5 play and needs to be replaced. I would rather call up a player like Schickerling to join the squad and replace Mostert with him or even Snyman
Mbonambi
He should be replaced by Marx. It would be dangerous to play Mbonambi from the bench, but Akker is not in Australasia – so he will be the bench hooker..
