The Springboks tackle France in Paris this Saturday, but have already said goodbye to Ox Nche, who returned to South Africa on Sunday to undergo scans to determine the extent of his injury sustained against Japan.
His place in the squad will be taken by Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who is still free to play despite waiting for the outcome of a case with the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport.
Ntlabakanye is a tighthead prop, but the Springboks clearly feel that Boan Venter, Gerhard Steenekamp and Thomas du Toit can suitably cover the No 1 position.
A boost for the Springboks in the backline
Although the absence of Nche will undoubtedly be felt against France, the Springboks have received a boost elsewhere.
After an initial injury worry over Damian Willemse, Erasmus has indicated that the fullback should be available for selection this week, allowing Cheslin Kolbe to return to his more familiar position on the right wing.
Big challenge in store
Erasmus said the team were excited by the prospect of taking on France in a ‘rematch’ of the 2023 World Cup quarter-final.
“We know what it’s like to play France away from home. The passion, intensity, and atmosphere in which you play there is very different.
“I think we have sufficient depth, experience and youth in the team, but it’s a totally different ball game going there.
“It’s a pressure cooker, and it gets to you. We beat them in the (2023) World Cup quarter-final, but we know how close that match was, so it’s a massive game, and then there’s Ireland ahead as well as Italy and Wales.
“So, although we are building, we need to keep reminding one another about that. We knew what was coming at Eden Park (against New Zealand), and we couldn’t pull it through, so we have to do some intelligent and physical stuff to pull it through next week.”
