OPINION: Springbok rotation U-turn leaves wider squad, fringe players in limbo
Erasmus is entitled to pick the team that gives him the best chance of victory. But players have always thrived under his rotation policy.
In a surprising turn of events, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has decided to maintain the majority of his matchday 23 for the upcoming Tests against the All Blacks, despite initially stating he could employ up to six additional players. This decision has left fringe players in a state of uncertainty, as they are now in a precarious position.
Erasmus, known for his aversion to publicly declaring one player as superior to another, has chosen to stick with the largely unchanged team that defeated both the All Blacks in Cape Town and Soweto. Handré Pollard, Canan Moodie, and Grant Williams have been notably absent from the squad, which now includes players such as Aphelele Fassi, Paul de Villiers, Zach Porthen, and others.
Erasmus has assured that the intention was always to maintain selection continuity for players who were performing consistently in games three and four. However, the omission of these fringe players has sparked questions about their feelings and the implications of this decision.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
