Bakkies Botha backs Rassie Erasmus’ genius to solve Springboks’ lock 'crisis'

Author: iol.co.zaPublished on: July 16, 2026Country: South Africa
Sports
Bakkies Botha backs Rassie Erasmus’ genius to solve Springboks’ lock 'crisis'

The Springboks face an unprecedented lock crisis ahead of their clash with Wales, with injuries sidelining Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, Salmaan Moerat and Jean Kleyn. Former legend Bakkies Botha believes the evolution of the game and Rassie Erasmus's tactical mastery can overcome this through versatile players like Pieter-Steph du Toit. Erasmus has called up Cobus Wiese, Ruan Nortjé, Ben-Jason Dixon and stand-in captain Du Toit, of whom only Nortjé is an outright lock. Botha highlights that the game has changed and versatility is now key.

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