Ruben van Heerden’s journey to the Springbok starting XV has been anything but straightforward, but according to head coach Rassie Erasmus, the towering lock has earned every bit of his long-awaited opportunity.
DURBAN — Even when a player has won every trophy available in rugby, including two Rugby World Cups, wearing the green and gold remains a massive driver for Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx.
Young flyhalf Vusi Moyo, one of four players set to wear the green and gold jersey in a Test match for the first time in Durban on Saturday, expressed his delight at earning his Springbok debut, while assistant coach Deon Davids warned against underestimating the threat posed by Wales.
Rassie Erasmus believes the time is right to reward the Springboks’ emerging talent after confirming opportunities for several uncapped players against Wales, insisting their performances throughout the national setup have earned them a chance at Test level.
Springbok loose forward Paul de Villiers says the selfless culture fostered within the national setup has made his rapid rise to Test rugby much easier to navigate as he prepares for just his third international appearance.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus admitted he faced massive temptation to rest powerhouse flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash against Wales in Durban.
Jaco Williams (wing), Vusi Moyo (flyhalf), Ruben van Heerden (lock) and Carlu Sadie (prop) will all make their Test debuts in the Springboks’ third Nations Championship fixture against Wales in Durban on Saturday after being named in the starting XV by head coach Rassie Erasmus.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed a major squad shake-up for next week’s Test against Wales, hinting at the return of stalwarts Siya Kolisi, Lood de Jager, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu alongside rising stars to build squad depth after testing a youthful side against Scotland.
Springbok stalwart Pieter-Steph du Toit insists there was never any panic within the South African camp despite Scotland drawing level at 14-14 during an absorbing Test at Loftus Versfeld, with the world champions relying on their trusted systems to regain control.