Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has stacked his bench with forwards for tomorrow’s Test against Wales in Cardiff, underscoring the challenges posed by player availability outside the international window.
SA Rugby and the Wales Rugby Union agreed to stage an extra match in November, giving the Springboks an opportunity to provide fringe players with more game time, while offering the struggling home union a much-needed financial boost.
The Boks’ starting XV features nine changes from the side that defeated Ireland 24-13 in Dublin last week, as a number of players have returned to their clubs and provincial unions.
High-profile absences include Malcolm Marx, Thomas du Toit, Boan Venter, Lood de Jager, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Grant Williams, Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, and Edwill van der Merwe,…