Scouting South Africa: Rassie Erasmus’ South Africa Squad

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Rassie Erasmus during the South Africa team announcement for their upcoming game against Scotland at the Radisson Blu Hotel, on November 08, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group)

Following an opening-round victory over Argentina, Scotland’s Nations Championship campaign moves to Pretoria this weekend for an encounter against back-to-back World Champions, South Africa. In keeping with his established tactical approach, Springbok Head Coach Rassie Erasmus has named his matchday 23 early in the week. This announcement confirms a new-look side designed to test squad depth while managing the heavy workload of the global Test calendar.

Under the guidance of Erasmus

Rassie Erasmus has been a central figure in South African rugby across multiple decades and roles. After earning 36 international caps as a player, he first transitioned into the national backroom staff as a technical adviser ahead of the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Following a varied coaching career across the domestic and international games, Erasmus returned to South Africa as Director of Rugby in late 2017, where a year later he would take over the head coaching duties to guide the Springboks to consecutive Rugby World Cup titles.

Erasmus’ tactical philosophy prioritises extensive squad rotation without compromising the team’s physical or structural identity. This approach is anchored by his innovative “Bomb Squad” bench strategy, which typically utilises a six-two split of forwards to backs. By injecting fresh, elite-level pack options late in the match, South Africa maintains a relentless physical intensity throughout the full 80 minutes.

The selection strategy

Following a 45-21 victory over England in their opening Nations Championship fixture, Erasmus has implemented ten changes to the Springboks’ starting XV for the match at Loftus Versfeld. Only five players have been retained in the starting lineup: midfielders Jesse Kriel and Damian Willemse (from full-back), lock Ruan Nortje, flanker Paul de Villiers, and seasoned back-rower Pieter-Steph du Toit, who retains the captaincy in the absence of the injured Siya Kolisi.

This drastic overhaul introduces an entirely fresh front row and a revamped back three featuring the elusive Aphelele Fassi alongside Edwill van der Merwe. Once again choosing a six-two split, Scotland must stay switched on for the entirety of the 80 minutes if they hope to achieve a result.

Key players for South Africa

Despite the extensive rotation, the selected Springbok lineup features significant international experience. Leading the halfback positions are fly-half Handre Pollard and scrum-half Embrose Papier, both of whom will operate on usual territory at Vodacom Bulls’ home stadium. In the pack, captain and two-time World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year, Pieter-Steph du Toit provides elite defensive output, bringing 96 international caps of experience to a young back-row forward trio.

With 18 of the 23 in Erasmus’ side playing their domestic rugby in the BKT United Rugby Championship, there will be a distinct air of familiarity between those in Gregor Townsend’s squad in the Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors’ set ups. Starting loosehead prop Boan Venter brings direct knowledge of the northern hemisphere game, having spent multiple seasons playing his club rugby in the capital with Edinburgh Rugby.

South Africa v Scotland

• Date & Time: Saturday 11 July, 4:40pm
• Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, South Africa
• Tournament: Nations Championship Round Two
• How to watch: The inaugural Nations Championship will be broadcast exclusively on ITV and STV, with all fixtures from the new global competition available to viewers across the UK. Supporters in the UK are also able to stream the match live via ITVX and STV Player.