‘Eben’s not ready’: Rassie Erasmus explains Etzebeth’s omission

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has explained the rationale behind not immediately bringing Eben Etzebeth back into the team for their Nations Championship clash against France on Friday night. Etzebeth was not initially selected for the Boks’ end-of-year-tour squad due to injury, but was later called up when young flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed was sent home due to a sore shoulder.

Additionally, lock Salmaan Moerat had to be ruled out of the match against Italy due to back spasms, making way for Etzebeth’s inclusion in the team. The Springboks' key enforcer, Etzebeth, would have been a valuable asset for the French match, either as a starter or with the bomb squad as a substitute. Erasmus stated that it was better for Etzebeth to get back into the rhythm of things after some time off the field.

He also highlighted the experience of Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert, who have been training with the team for almost two weeks following their arrival in Italy. Erasmus made just two changes to the team that defeated Italy 66-7 in their opening end-of-year-tour match in Turin, swapping prop Wilco Louw into the starting side from Thomas du Toit, and including scrumhalf Cobus Reinach in the bench rotation instead of Grant Williams.

The coach explained that the front rows had been well settled and had been playing together for several seasons, making the rotational switch with Wilco and Thomas. Cobus Reinach, familiar with the French conditions, was brought into the mix due to his experience playing club rugby for Montpellier.