Former Springboks boss Jake White insists that Rassie Erasmus’ task is “notoriously difficult” as he seeks to bring through the next generation.
South Africa are the back-to-back world champions, but the head coach knows that he needs to refresh the squad ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
It is a difficult balancing act as they seek to maintain their form on the field while also fielding some younger players.
They are also looking to develop their style and it has resulted in a mixed 2025 so far following two defeats in three Rugby Championship games.
More inexperienced side for second All Blacks clash
Following the Springboks‘ loss to the All Blacks at Eden Park, Erasmus has selected a much younger backline and White has compared South Africa’s situation to Wales and Ireland.
“Rassie is in a similar position to Wales under Warren Gatland and Ireland under Andy Farrell,” he wrote in his RugbyPass column.
“Both sides had considerable success with a golden generation, but father time waits for no man, and the transition to bed in their successors is notoriously difficult. Indeed, it’s not always easy to spot when a players’ abilities are about to take a nosedive.”
While South Africa have picked a younger backline, there is more experience up front, but White explained why Erasmus has been “brave” with his decisions.
“You’re leaving out all those hard-earned Test caps – between Eben Etzebeth, Willie le Roux, Damien de Allende, Handre Pollard and Jesse Kriel, that’s nearly 500 caps who won’t be able to exert their influence in Wellington. Granted, some of them looked slow and leaden footed but it’s still a punt,” he wrote.
“Then you’re leaving out your captain [Kriel]. That’s bold. The lock combination, too, is a departure from the norm. Physically, Ruan Nortje and Lood de Jager resemble New Zealand’s totems, Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock, after they eschewed the opportunity to pick a more traditional No.4 like Brad Thorn.
“This is in contrast with the Springboks, who have selected the sizeable tight-end locks Bakkies Botha and Eben Etzebeth for 221 Springbok Tests since 2002.
“This isn’t a complete surprise. Rassie has always been a leader, unafraid to take big calls. He is an innovator and a visionary and neutrals have always said he’s ahead of the curve, but there’s no doubt there’s risk to this selection. It’s a roll of the dice with no guarantee of success.”
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‘Something’s clearly changed behind closed doors’
White has also claimed that Erasmus’ approach has changed recently after seeing the head coach make mass alterations for the All Blacks clash in Wellington.
“Something’s clearly changed behind closed doors. After saying he’d stopped gambling with selection, he’s probably gone with one of the most inexperienced backlines he’s picked since he started coaching,” he added.
“There are only 173 caps in that backline, with an average of 25 caps per player. It’s gifted but green.”