Springboks vs Wales: Rassie executes a last-minute ‘cabinet reshuffle’
Rassie Erasmus has made a last-minute adjustment to the Springboks squad for their match against Wales this Saturday in Cardiff.
The Springboks will be missing Ox Nche for their Saturday match against Wales, as coach Rassie Erasmus has decided to rest the prop.
Nche’s absence means that Wilco Louw will return to the starting lineup as the tighthead prop, while Thomas du Toit will shift to loosehead prop. Ox started last week’s game against England in London but left the field early due to an injury.
Springboks to be without Ox but Rassie has a plan
Initially, there were concerns that he might miss the match against Wales, but on Monday, the 29-year-old was declared fit to play. However, on Wednesday, Rassie Erasmus and his coaching staff decided it would be best for Nche to rest this weekend.
“Ox has been a key player for us this season and, given his high work-rate over the last few months, we opted to rest him for this clash,” said Erasmus.
Rassie will give Wilco Louw another go as the Springboks look to finish the UK tour unbeaten.
“Wilco started last week’s match, and he’s been training well this week, so it makes sense to include him in the starting team and move Thomas to loosehead prop.
“It also maintains the consistency we have in the front row among the replacements,” Erasmus said as per SA Rugby.
“We gave a few players who are not playing the option to remain in camp or return home to spend quality time with their families, while at the same time ensuring that we have enough depth in the squad to cover all the positions in case we suffer injuries before the match,” said Erasmus.
“So, we are confident that we all well covered if anything should happen before the game.”
Since returning as Springboks coach, Rassie Erasmus has only lost a single match. His record has been impressive in his second tenure as Boks coach.