Squad reduction before the game on Satirday

The following from the SARU website:-

Ox Nche, Jason Jenkins, Kwagga Smith, Nizaam Carr, Travis Ismaiel, Curwin Bosch and Cameron Wright have been released from the Springbok squad back to their franchises following Saturday’s Castle Lager Incoming Series Test against England in Johannesburg. 

It was also confirmed that prop Trevor Nyakane has been withdrawn from the Springbok squad because of injury.

He has trouble with a rib injury and did not play a part in Saturday’s victory over the English at Emirates Airline Park.

The Springboks travel to Bloemfontein on Sunday afternoon where they will resume their preparations for the second international against England.

Next week’s second Castle Lager Incoming Series Test between the two countries takes place at the Toyota Stadium (17h05)."

I am not surprised by any of the players on the released squad.   All of them played in Washington and flopped badly.

Interesting retentions are Robert du Preez and Andre Estaerhuizen,   There was originally four scrummies in the squad - but three has been retained - namely De Klerk, Van Zyl and Papier.

None of the Hookers has been released as well.

The above leaves Erasmus with a problem at tight-head.   He now has only three props available with Louw in very poor form.   The latter was poor in recent matches in Super Rugby and also in the Washington and Johannesburg tests.    Is he going to be retained in the team  or is he goin to be rested?   The other two props available are Du Toit and Malherbe,   

1. Ox Nche- Unfortunate to not get more opportunity- particularly as an impact player.

2. Jason Jenkins- A poor performance against Wales. 

3. Kwagga Smith- Not a wet weather player. Perhaps an impact player in the 4 nations

4. Nizaam Carr- I would not have called him up to start with. 

5. Travis Ismaiel-  A decent game against Wales but I don't think he is a test player.

6. Curwin Bosch - An extremely disappointing performance against Wales. I would not discard him yet as he is the closest option we have to cover a Willie Leroux's injury. 

Bosch has a passing game, a running game, pace and kicking game, but unfortunately lacks basic strength. 

Jenkins was not poor against Wales but there is no place for him. Kwagga must go back to sevens. Bosch looks like fli msy player and one wonder what his future holds.

Moz, hopefully Rassie will be allowed to weed out the guys not up to it and build a good squad.

There are ara number of black players who can make it on merit but don' t force second rate players into the squad.

Sure Jenkins had a top class game against Wales according to our resident fool.   He made 2 tackles and missed 3.  He also carried the ball twice making a 1 meter gain. That is the type of stats the fool likes - for example on par with his hero Alberts.   

This is the idiot who praise Jenkins and demonize  Du Toit - what a bloody idiot.   

Louw in poor form? WTH is in good form then. Thomas the tank engine? Give me a break!

I am sorry to disagree - but Louw's scrumming was not up to standard in the two tests and in the Super Rugby series,   He was giving away too many penalties for poor scrumming and that is just part of the problem.   

Take for instance the Chiefs game where he was pushed off he ball repeatedly/   Mozart blamed Kitshoff for that problem - but the real problem was on the Tighthead side.   / 

We will see whether Erasmus pick him to start in the game of Saturday.   I think he might be rested.         

Clevermike

I believe you meant Saturday.

Mike ... why are you surprised that Esterhuizen was retained?

He had a much better outing than De Allende and should be selected at 12 for the coming test in Bloem.

It's a no-brainer.

All the players that were dropped should never have been in the mix.

There are a few more that need to be axed.

Wilco needs a break, he's had a hectic Superugby session, Washington & EllisPark. ABs  manage their players much better.

Exactly ... Louw is a power house ... and has had some excellent matches this season.

He's fatigued and totally mismanaged by Fleck.

He is our top tighthead.

I hope Rassie sees this.

Name those excellent matches please.   There was no powerhouse in evidence I am afraid.    But then you think Dreyer is a good scrummager too - so we know where that story comes from.  O - let me correct myself - compared to Dreyer Louw is a powerhouse - but the requirements is very low.   

What's the point?

You don't know what you're looking at. It's all beyond you.

You can't even count to 7 ... and that's with both your socks and shoes off.