Rassie Erasmus is spoiled for choice with an abundance of bruisers when deciding how to balance his back row options for the November tour opener against Scotland.
Erasmus’ 35-player group for the year-end tour has seen uncapped Cameron Hanekom join captain Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese, Kwagga Smith, Elrigh Louw and Marco van Staden as options to play in the clash in Edinburgh on 10 November.
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Hanekom was drafted into the national team after Damian Willemse suffered a tour-ending groin injury while playing for the DHL Stormers.
It is likely that Kolisi will lead the Boks at Murrayfield and will be joined by blindsider Du Toit in the back row. However, Erasmus has a decision as to how to best balance the loose trio that will tackle the Scots.
Wiese joined Kolisi and Du Toit at No 8 in the Boks’ Rugby Championship finale against Argentina in Nelspruit, with Louw and Smith part of a six-two split on the bench.
Should Erasmus choose to hand Hanekom his debut against Scotland, it could be at No 8 or at openside flank, which would see Kolisi shift to the back of the scrum. The same could happen if Erasmus gives Van Staden a start, with the Vodacom Bulls flanker more of a specialised opensider.
While Kolisi has not started a Test match at No 8 yet, it is a role that he recently shone in for the Sharks in their bonus-point victory over 2023 Vodacom URC champions Munster.
If Wiese is rested for the clash with England at Twickenham six days later, Erasmus could field Louw or Smith at No 8.
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