Springboks to make three changes for Rugby World Cup semi – Report

Springboks Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus is hyped up ahead of the Rugby World Cup semi-final against England and expects an epic battle.

SPRINGBOKS: The ultimate unlikely hero emerges

RASSIE HINTS AT A TRIO OF CHANGES

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it as they say. However, Rassie Erasmus has intimated the defending champions might have to make a few alterations. South Africa eventually prevailed 29-28 in an absorbing clash against France on Sunday. Freshness is the name of the game.

“There is a temptation to bring Lukhanyo (Am) in this week and start Handre (Pollard) and Faf (de Klerk), as well as Canan (Moodie), and we are also thinking of a six-two split on the bench,” said Erasmus.

“Every player in our squad is fit so we have all 33 players to select from. We would also like to see what they do. If they go for a six-two split, then we’ll have to make some plans.

“We can also bring in a guy like Jean Kleyn who will bring some physicality against their tall lineout options. That’s probably the reason we are only announcing our team two days before the match.”

ICYMI: Why Reinach got the nod over FAF for the Springboks

RUGBY WORLD CUP CLASH FOR THE AGES

The world champions’ 29-28 win over France on Sunday was one of the great rugby matches in modern history, or the whole of history for that matter. Antoine Dupont, the French skipper who fractured his jaw earlier in the tournament, produced a scintillating individual display but it wasn’t enough to steer the hosts into the semifinals. A host of Springboks produced stirring displays of their own, not least of which the battered and bloodied Jesse Kriel. There could be the massive temptation to give Kriel a breather against England, but then again, how can he possibly be dropped after a performance like that?

ALSO READ: England coach reveals great respect for the Springboks

Hit up James Freemantle for more insights, news, views and commentary.