Source: Instagram
The Springboks are set to take on Argentina in the first of a double header clash against the South Americans. Springboks director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, has introduced significant changes to the team that beat New Zealand in Cape Town two weeks ago. Part of those changes see regular Springbok captain Siya Kolisi rested for the encounter. After fracturing his nose in the Ellis Park victory over the All Blacks, his participation was in doubt for game. Kolisi eventually defied the odds and made it to the side that completed the double over the All Blacks. Having done so, there were expectations that he would be rested for the game against Argentina, Especially after the nose injury. It has also since emerged that Kolisi will still be involved on the match. His involvement, however, will be in the Springbok coaching booth alongside Erasmus!
“Siya (Kolisi) wasn’t brought here to play, but to be on standby if anybody gets injured. The one thing we also want to do is get Siya in the coaches box. We usually have Duane on the sideline who relays messages to Siya and the decision-makers on the field, but Siya doesn’t know what happens in the coaches box. So we really want him to see how we reach a decision and send messages down, so he can understand the whole process. We did the same thing with Duane and he said after that he had a new understanding, which we hope to get from Siya as well this weekend.” Said Erasmus on an interview with SA Rugby Magazine.
Erasmus highlighted that the same approach was taken with Vermeulen, who gained valuable insights into the coaching process. “Duane said after that he had a new understanding, and we hope to achieve the same with Siya this weekend.”
The game is set to play on the 21 September 2024 at 17:00.