Selecting a 35-player squad from the vast depth of South African rugby is no easy task, and it inevitably leaves some talented players on the outside looking in. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus acknowledged that several "unlucky players" missed out on selection for the upcoming end-of-year tour to Scotland, England, and Wales. While Erasmus didn’t name specific players, it’s clear that narrowing down the squad was a tough task, especially with many frontline players returning from injury.
The competition for spots intensified with the return of key players such as Damian Willemse, RG Snyman, and Franco Mostert, all of whom have been critical to the Springboks' success in the past. Despite the strong competition, Erasmus has shown faith in players who performed well during the southern hemisphere international season. Aphelele Fassi, who was a standout during the Rugby Championship, retained his spot among the fullbacks alongside veteran Willie le Roux.
Some players, like Ben-Jason Dixon, have experienced rapid rises but missed out this time around. The young loose forward had his chances during the Rugby Championship, particularly in the test against New Zealand in Johannesburg. However, Dixon himself admitted that he didn’t fully capitalize on the opportunity. Erasmus is known for giving players second chances, as seen when Dixon was recalled for the match against Argentina. His absence from the squad doesn’t necessarily indicate a permanent exclusion, and there will likely be future opportunities for players like him.
Elrigh Louw is an example of a player who made the most of his chances, cementing his place in the squad with strong performances during the southern season. Louw’s consistency meant there was no space for Dixon in a loose-forward contingent that includes stalwarts like Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Jasper Wiese.
The selection for this tour demonstrates Erasmus’ desire to win all three matches, with a focus on fielding full-strength teams against tough European opposition. The upcoming tests against England, Scotland, and Wales are crucial, and Erasmus is determined to break the trend of underwhelming performances during the Springboks’ northern hemisphere tours. These high-profile matches demand experienced and battle-hardened players, and Erasmus has made selections accordingly.
However, there will be plenty of opportunities for experimentation next year, especially with South Africa hosting Georgia and Italy in the July window. Erasmus is likely to use these fixtures to explore more options and give emerging players a chance to shine.
The shift in world rugby’s balance of power also opens the door for more experimentation during the Rugby Championship. With New Zealand being the only team posing a significant threat, the Boks may feel confident rotating players in their matches against Australia and Argentina. The team’s depth has grown considerably, and Erasmus has shown he can mix selections while maintaining a winning formula, as evidenced by their dominant Championship victory this year.
Ultimately, while some players missed out on this tour, Erasmus' selections have the long-term goal of maintaining a competitive squad leading up to the next World Cup. With 49 players already having featured for the Boks in 2024, there’s no doubt that there will be further opportunities for those on the fringes to stake their claim in the future.
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