Springbok scrumhalf Embrose Papier must collect vital All Blacks intel at the Bulls and could return to the Bok fold if he puts in a strong performance should he face the visitors in a midweek match.
Rassie Erasmus has dangled a golden carrot in front of Embrose Papier, Evan Roos and the Springboks’ other fringe players, while simultaneously reminding his current squad that no jersey is guaranteed.
If there was any doubt that the World Cup-winning coach always has a bigger plan in mind, his explanation around the omission of players like Papier should put that to bed.
The Stormers duo of Roos and André-Hugo Venter and potentially Ntuthuko Mchunu, who is still with the national squad, along with Bulls scrumhalf Papier, have been handed a golden opportunity to force their way back into the national setup during the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour against the All Blacks.
Venter and Roos’ chance could come as soon as next Friday when the Stormers take on the New Zealanders in the opening match in Cape Town. Papier will have the opportunity to state his case when the Bulls face the visitors on August 19, just a week before the opening Test at Ellis Park.
