Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is managing his squad carefully ahead of upcoming Test matches against Argentina and New Zealand. Photo: Backpagepix
The Springboks' weekend victory over Wales not only completed a perfect opening block to the Nations Championship, but also cleared the runway for the next phase of Rassie Erasmus' masterplan – reintegrating a host of injured stars against Argentina before unleashing his strongest squad for Rugby's Greatest Rivalry against New Zealand.
Having rotated heavily across the opening three Tests against England, Scotland and Wales, Erasmus confirmed the next step is to split his squad ahead their once-off Test against Argentina, with one group travelling to Buenos Aires while another remains in South Africa to prepare for the blockbuster series against All Blacks.
"Our plans will be maybe somewhere the guys will have a week off, then 26 guys will go to Argentina," Erasmus explained.
"Fifteen or 16 guys will stay behind, one or two rehabbing, and they will start training for New Zealand. A few coaches will stay behind with them."
