THE FUSE

Compiled by Dylan Bettencourt

Rassie Erasmus has made 13 changes to the Bok matchday squad after South Africa beat England at Ellis Park.

Duane Vermeulen says the new-look Boks are good enough, but Scotland are fit, skilful and dangerous.

The Springboks have fresh energy in the camp before Saturday’s Test against Scotland.

Bok coach Rassie Erasmus has made 13 changes to his matchday 23 after South Africa beat England 45-21 at Ellis Park.

Several players who have not had many chances in the Bok jersey are now getting their turn.

They include Embrose Papier, who last played a Test in 2018, Vincent Tshituka and Quan Horn, who have one cap each, and Cobus Wiese, who has two.

Johan Grobbelaar, Evan Roos, Zach Porthen and Ben-Jason Dixon are also in the team. All have fewer than 10 Tests.

The whole matchday 23 has 514 caps between them. The players on the bench have only 69 caps.

But SA Rugby mobi-unit coach Duane Vermeulen said the Boks are not gambling.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a gamble,” said Vermeulen. “The guys who get the opportunity to play, we definitely think they are good enough.”

Vermeulen said the younger players have brought a different feeling to the squad.

“We’ve got a lot of guys with a lot less caps, but there’s great energy in the group,” he said.

He said senior players like Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jesse Kriel and Handré Pollard can help keep the team calm.

“There’s a bit more excitement in the squad this weekend than usual. If you direct that excitement into the right areas we will be in for a good game,” said Vermeulen.

But he warned that Scotland cannot be taken lightly.

Vermeulen said many of their players were part of the Glasgow Warriors team that beat the Bulls in the 2024 URC final at Loftus.

He said Scotland are fit, skilful and dangerous with ball in hand.

“They are a really fit side. They are skilful, and want to take the ball wide from one touchline to the other,” he said. “Everyone looks at their attack but they have a strong defence as well.”

Vermeulen said Scotland’s win over Argentina in Córdoba and their third-place finish in the Six Nations show they are improving.

“They are on the up,” he said.

Pictured above: Springbok players.

Image source: @Springboks