When Springbok center Andre Esterhuizen is asked to double as a flank, it's not just a game day switch-up; it's a whole new training regime. Recently, Esterhuizen has been flexing his rugby muscles in a hybrid role, a strategy deployed by coach Rassie Erasmus to great effect in matches against the Barbarians and Italy. This tactical pivot proved critical, especially following Jasper Wiese's early exit with a red card against Italy in Port Elizabeth.
"It saved us in a big way," Erasmus commented on the strategy. "You're not taking a back off and putting a loose forward on. We could use Andre on our own ball at scrum time as a flank, and when Italy had the ball, he slotted back in at centre."
"We decide at the start of the week what my focus and role should be. Sometimes it’s more about flank, other times about centre,"
Esterhuizen explained. His training week can morph from scrums with the forwards to sprint drills with the backs, depending on the upcoming game plan. "But I’ll be honest – it’s much tougher training in the forwards compared to the backs."
The Bok squad is becoming notorious for its versatility. Players like Cheslin Kolbe and Pieter-Steph du Toit are switching positions seamlessly, proving that adaptability is key in modern rugby. Esterhuizen, who recently scored a decisive try in the 43-10 rout of the All Blacks in Wellington, believes this flexibility is crucial.
"I actually think it’s easier to move from the backline into the forwards than the other way around,"
he added, highlighting the squad's dynamic approach.
As the Boks prepare to face Argentina in Durban, the team's ability to interchange roles could be their trump card. With players like Esterhuizen stepping into whatever shoes need filling, opponents face not just a team, but a chameleon-like adversary, ready to adapt and overcome in any given scenario. This adaptability not only speaks to the skill of the players but the strategic acumen of the coaching staff, making every match an intriguing tactical battle.
The match 23 to take on Argentina will be announced on Tuesday, promising another showcase of strategic rugby prowess.
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When Springbok center Andre Esterhuizen is asked to double as a flank, it's not just a game day switch-up; it's a whole new training regime. Recently, Esterhuizen has been flexing his rugby muscles in a hybrid role, a strategy deployed by coach Rassie Erasmus to great effect in matches against the Barbarians and Italy. This tactical pivot proved critical, especially following Jasper Wiese's early exit with a red card against Italy in Port Elizabeth.
"It saved us in a big way," Erasmus commented on the strategy. "You're not taking a back off and putting a loose forward on. We could use Andre on our own ball at scrum time as a flank, and when Italy had the ball, he slotted back in at centre."
"We decide at the start of the week what my focus and role should be. Sometimes it’s more about flank, other times about centre,"
Esterhuizen explained. His training week can morph from scrums with the forwards to sprint drills with the backs, depending on the upcoming game plan. "But I’ll be honest – it’s much tougher training in the forwards compared to the backs."The Bok squad is becoming notorious for its versatility. Players like Cheslin Kolbe and Pieter-Steph du Toit are switching positions seamlessly, proving that adaptability is key in modern rugby. Esterhuizen, who recently scored a decisive try in the 43-10 rout of the All Blacks in Wellington, believes this flexibility is crucial.
"I actually think it’s easier to move from the backline into the forwards than the other way around,"
he added, highlighting the squad's dynamic approach.As the Boks prepare to face Argentina in Durban, the team's ability to interchange roles could be their trump card. With players like Esterhuizen stepping into whatever shoes need filling, opponents face not just a team, but a chameleon-like adversary, ready to adapt and overcome in any given scenario. This adaptability not only speaks to the skill of the players but the strategic acumen of the coaching staff, making every match an intriguing tactical battle.
The match 23 to take on Argentina will be announced on Tuesday, promising another showcase of strategic rugby prowess.