The Springboks' lock crisis seems to be stabilizing with the return of heavyweights Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager, calming the nerves of coach Rassie Erasmus. Despite a rash of injuries plaguing the team's second row, including RG Snyman, Ruan Venter, Jean Kleyn, and Salmaan Moerat, the Bok squad is looking resilient with these season veterans stepping back onto the field.
Erasmus, addressing the media, downplayed the impact of age on player performance.
"If a player is performing, getting over the advantage line, making tackles, and winning lineouts, then age doesn’t matter,”
he stated, sharply dismissing the notion that older players might be less effective. He cited Franco Mostert as evidence, a veteran whose gameplay remains unaffected by his years.The coach expressed particular concern over Snyman's absence, noting,
"RG was always the guy who made the match 23, either starting or giving us some impact."
The situation with other injured players like Kleyn and Moerat also adds to the complexity, with Moerat facing a lengthy recovery from a neck injury.In addition to Etzebeth and de Jager, Erasmus can call on Ruben van Heerden, who replaces Moerat from the Stormers, and other emerging talents like Cobus Wiese and Ruan Nortjé from the Bulls. The temporary repositioning of Ruan Venter to lock, despite his recent knee surgery, was also a strategy that excited Erasmus before the setback.
Turning his attention to the younger generation, Erasmus praised Junior Boks captain Riley Norton, who was recently invited to the Springbok camp. Erasmus was impressed by Norton's poise and leadership, remarking on his seamless adaptation to professional rugby and the aura he brings to the team.
Despite the setbacks, Erasmus remains optimistic about the lock position depth, pointing out that among the players discussed, only Snyman is ruled out for the entire season. This perspective underscores a broader view of resilience and strategic depth management within the Springbok camp.