In a twist that might stir up the pot more than a late-night Dublin pub brawl, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has decided to park RG Snyman on the bench for his 50th cap against Ireland this Saturday. Despite the milestone, the giant lock won't be cracking the starting lineup in Dublin, a decision Erasmus describes as "difficult but necessary."
Erasmus, facing the press with his game face on, confessed, “I thought that question was going to come, and it’s a valid one. It would have been lovely to let him start the match, but I think the best for the team is for him to play off the bench.”
“It would’ve been lovely to start him, but the team comes first.”
It seems that Snyman’s relegation to the bench isn't due to any newfound love for being a super-sub. “He also loves to start, he loves to play as long as he can – most players do. He knows his role off the bench, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to start,” Erasmus added, shedding light on the towering player’s preferences.
The decision wasn't made on a whim. With the lock department suffering more hits than a Beatles album, Snyman’s inclusion was a no-brainer, even if not from the start. "We did have a quick chat about, ‘Listen, it’s your 50th – would you mind playing off the bench?’ No problem. He totally understands," said Erasmus, revealing the behind-the-scenes consensus. Snyman’s reaction? He’s just "grateful to be in the team," especially given the injury roster.
Even though he won't kick off the game, Snyman will lead the team out in Dublin in a ceremonial nod to his 50th cap. “I guess that will feel a bit weird,” admitted Erasmus with a smirk, “But he’s not worried to sacrifice anything for the team.”
So, as the Boks gear up to face Ireland, the message is clear: personal milestones are sweet, but victories are sweeter. And while the fans might have loved to see Snyman start, Erasmus is playing the long game. Because at the end of the day, in the unforgiving world of test rugby, it’s all about snagging that win—by hook or by crook.
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In a twist that might stir up the pot more than a late-night Dublin pub brawl, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has decided to park RG Snyman on the bench for his 50th cap against Ireland this Saturday. Despite the milestone, the giant lock won't be cracking the starting lineup in Dublin, a decision Erasmus describes as "difficult but necessary."
Erasmus, facing the press with his game face on, confessed, “I thought that question was going to come, and it’s a valid one. It would have been lovely to let him start the match, but I think the best for the team is for him to play off the bench.”
“It would’ve been lovely to start him, but the team comes first.”
It seems that Snyman’s relegation to the bench isn't due to any newfound love for being a super-sub. “He also loves to start, he loves to play as long as he can – most players do. He knows his role off the bench, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to start,” Erasmus added, shedding light on the towering player’s preferences.
The decision wasn't made on a whim. With the lock department suffering more hits than a Beatles album, Snyman’s inclusion was a no-brainer, even if not from the start. "We did have a quick chat about, ‘Listen, it’s your 50th – would you mind playing off the bench?’ No problem. He totally understands," said Erasmus, revealing the behind-the-scenes consensus. Snyman’s reaction? He’s just "grateful to be in the team," especially given the injury roster.
Even though he won't kick off the game, Snyman will lead the team out in Dublin in a ceremonial nod to his 50th cap. “I guess that will feel a bit weird,” admitted Erasmus with a smirk, “But he’s not worried to sacrifice anything for the team.”
So, as the Boks gear up to face Ireland, the message is clear: personal milestones are sweet, but victories are sweeter. And while the fans might have loved to see Snyman start, Erasmus is playing the long game. Because at the end of the day, in the unforgiving world of test rugby, it’s all about snagging that win—by hook or by crook.
BOK TEAM: RG brings up 50, Sous not included