Erasmus expecting an exciting Lions game plan
Director of Springbok Rugby Rassie Erasmus believes that the
make-up of the British and Irish Lions squad means they will looking to play an
attacking brand of rugby for the upcoming tour.
With the squad that Warren Gatland selected showing a decent mix of players from the four nations, the ideas and approach to the test matches from the visitors might be different to what the Springboks experienced in 2009.
Erasmus has seen the Lions forwards as a dynamic threat to the Boks given that they might not necessarily fit the traditional mould of a pack of forwards.
“If you look at their pack of forwards it’s a fast pack,”
Erasmus said. “The props are mobile, quick guys and same with the loose
forwards.
“All of their loose forwards are fast and all over the place so I think that
might be an indication of where our thoughts are going and that’s what we are
expecting.
“We don’t expect it to be like the Wales World Cup match where the team that ground it out won.”
With the Lions in mind the Springbok squad will be announced next weekend, however it will be an extended squad of players.
“We will be announcing a squad of 45 players next Saturday that will include the guys that will play for the SA ‘A’ side against the British and Irish Lions ‘A’ side.
“There is a lot of talent around and there could be a number of youngsters in the squad although we can’t confirm because the squad will be finalised this coming week.
“With the local guys playing trials every week we have seen a lot of youngsters coming through while the old dogs on the other side (overseas) are doing well so I think we are doing ok,” Erasmus added.
As the country continues its Covid-19 vaccine roll-out Erasmus confirmed that the players and management were in the process of receiving their jabs.
“The squad and the wider group of players and management have either been vaccinated or are in the process of getting vaccinated.
“All of the British and Irish Lions group have been vaccinated and I think the safest thing for them and us too but I’m not 100% sure if it is a requirement but we are certainly trying to get everyone vaccinated before we go into our bubble,” he commented.
The two test matches against Georgia in the lead-up to the Lions series will take place on consecutive Friday’s as to not clash with the Lions matches against the Golden Lions and the Blue Bulls.
