Share

Rassie a smart coach and racial transformer

Cape Town - Rassie Erasmus is emerging not only as an astute coach of South Africa, but also shaming many of his predecessors by rapidly transforming the racial balance of the team.

When the triumphant Springboks tackle England in a dead-rubber third Test at Newlands Saturday, a record-equalling seven black players will be in a once whites-only side.

Integration of black players into the national rugby team has been tortoise-like at times, even after apartheid collapsed and South Africa became a multiracial democracy 24 years ago.

The belief of many South Africa coaches was that you pick two black wingers and maybe one black forward and that equals racial transformation.

Not so, said the African National Congress (ANC)-led government, who insist that 50 percent of the 2019 World Cup side must be black to more fairly reflect the population.

Ninety-two percent of South Africans are black and former Springbok flank Erasmus was quick to accept that demographic reality.

"I am of the opinion that we must stop talking around racial transformation. We must talk about it," said Erasmus ahead of the three-Test England series.

"The target is 45 percent this year, measured over the 14-Test season, and if I do not reach the mark I have failed to reach one of my key performance indicators.

"If I do not make the 45 percent target, I will be in trouble. We must see it like that. It is what it is and we must work around that."

Only once before, when South Africa outplayed France in Durban last year, were there seven black starters.

Among them was flanker Siya Kolisi, who created history this month by becoming the first black Springbok Test captain.

Kolisi got his chance with No 8 Warren Whiteley injured, but if he continues to inspire the side the way he has done, it is hard to imagine him being removed.

England have twice made breathtaking starts to lead 24-3 in Johannesburg and 12-0 in Bloemfontein, and twice they have been overhauled by cool Kolisi and his warriors.

South Africa clawed back into contention and claimed 42-29 and 23-12 triumphs to maintain an unbeaten series record against England.

While Kolisi exuded calm, particularly in Johannesburg when it looked like the Springboks were facing a hiding, England skipper and centre Owen Farrell has frequently lost his cool.

He argued far too many second-Test decisions in Bloemfontein, creating the impression that he was hardly in control of himself, never mind his team-mates.

Struggling England coach Eddie Jones, who has lost five consecutive Tests since February after winning 24 of his first 25 in charge, never worries about being in a majority of one.

"I have been really impressed with the fortitude of the squad under Owen Farrell, who is a young captain," he declared after naming his Cape Town Test team.

Like Kolisi, Farrell owes his leadership role to an injury with hooker Dylan Hartley one of many absentees due to injuries or the need for rest.

With his eyes partly focused on the 2019 World Cup in Japan, Erasmus has made five changes, giving fringe players and a newcomer the chance to impress.

Uncapped Andre Esterhuizen forms a new centre pairing with Jesse Kriel and fullback Warrick Gelant and fly-half Elton Jantjies are recalled.

In the lone change among the forwards, hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle comes in for Bongi Mbonambi, with 37-year-old Schalk Brits brought out of retirement to be his understudy.

England have made four alterations - three enforced - as they seek a first victory in South Africa for 18 years.

Danny Cipriani succeeds George Ford at flyhalf for his first start since 2008 because Jones wants "a left-foot kicking option".

Prop Joe Marler takes over from unavailable Mako Vunipola, Chris Robshaw replaces ill Brad Shields and Nathan Hughes fills the No 8 position vacated by injured Billy Vunipola.

Saturday's Test is scheduled for 17:05.

Teams:

South Africa

15 Warrick Gelant, 14 S'bu Nkosi, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Tendai Mtawarira

Substitutes: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Jean-Luc du Preez, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Embrose Papier 22 Handre Pollard, 23 Willie le Roux

England

15 Elliot Daly, 14 Jonny May, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Owen Farrell (captain), 11 Mike Brown, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Nathan Hughes, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Chris Robshaw, 5 Maro Itoje, 4 Joe Launchbury, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Jamie George, 1 Joe Marler

Substitutes: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Alec Hepburn, 18 Harry Williams, 19 Jonny Hill, 20 Mark Wilson, 21 Sam Simmonds, 22 Ben Spencer, 23 Denny Solomona

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE