Forced into a major backline reshuffle against Scotland, the Springboks proved exactly why tactical versatility is their greatest weapon. Photo: Backpagepix
The 6-2 split on the Springbok bench faced an intense examination on Saturday at Loftus against Scotland, and it was the versatility of the replacements that ultimately proved the winning formula for South Africa.
Bok coach Rassie Erasmus selected only utility-backs Grant Williams and Quan Horn as his backline replacements. The experiment of playing Horn against the Barbarians at No 10 last month proved especially serendipitous as the 25-year-old found himself at pivot during the latter stages of the 42-28 victory.
Substitutions and an injury to Ethan Hooker required Erasmus to rejig the backline. Starting fullback Aphelele Fassi moved onto the wing, with Damian Willemse shifting from centre to No 15, while Player of the Match Handré Pollard moved to inside centre.
That left Horn to play at No 10 for a significant amount of time during the second half. It was the type of outing Erasmus will approve of, as it threw Horn into the coalface of a fast and furious encounter with a keen opponent ready to force an upset.
