So just saw Rassies latest team. I do believe that they could potentially win this game, but wonder whether this is the right plan. I would have preferred if they chose the same team with a few tweaks.
South African have a Feb / March break from the URC for 6 weeks. I would have scheduled those games that are derby games for earlier in the year and then pick the fringe bok players to go on an Australia A tour. Those super rugby teams are about to kick off their Super Rugby comp and it would be better received if we send out a squad of 30 up and coming players from South Africa to go tour there.
Rassie could of course go and coach the team and prepare them for life on the road. What this means is when the World Cup rolls in 2027, half of the youngsters would have experience life on the road in Australia.
Just imagine sending a team of players under 25, it could be a mixture of SA u/20 and recent graduates. Some players such as Fineberg is not even regular starter for their teams, but have a lot of potential.
Just imagine a team with Fineberg, Ethan Hooker, Lorezenzo Julius, not many test caps if any, but could stake a claim for their team.
Hooker and Lorenzo will be riding the pine next season behind Am and AE. So why not use them now. Mchunu will also be on the pine and they need some quality game time.
We could grab guys from the lions, take a kid like Jan Hendrik, Pepsi etc.. Through in a couple of seasoned players that might have tasted or on the brink of bok cap and you have a decent squad that can play on the road and win.
And if they lose, who cares. It is about learning.
SA rugby need to be a bit smarter here