As the Springboks navigate an unprecedented lock crisis ahead of their clash with Wales, legendary enforcer Bakkies Botha weighs in on the modern game's evolution, the rise of hybrid players, and why he has full faith in Rassie Erasmus's tactical masterclass. Photo: Backpagepix
There can be no arguing that the Springboks' depth has been stress-tested over the past month in several positions, with a supposed lock crisis the biggest concern before the start of the Nations Championship.
It is true — to a certain extent — as Bok coach Rassie Erasmus has had to plan the recent matches against England and Scotland, and Saturday's encounter against Wales at Kings Park in Durban (kick-off 5:40 pm), without the likes of Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, Salmaan Moerat and Jean Kleyn — all injured. Add the Lions’ Ruan Venter, who was expected to play in the second-row in some capacity this past month, and the unavailability list is indeed long.
It would be devastating for most Test nations, but such is the depth of Erasmus’ squad that they have been able to call on Cobus Wiese, Ruan Nortjé, Ben-Jason Dixon and stand-in captain Pieter-Steph du Toit to play in the No 4 and No 5 jumpers. Of that quartet, only Nortjé is considered an outright lock.
