Erasmus rings changes but Springboks stay stacked with experience for Italy clash

THE Springbok team named yesterday to play Italy features multiple changes from the combination that overwhelmed France last week, yet it remains richly experienced as coach Rassie Erasmus’ rotation policy continues to pay dividends.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

After the Boks outclassed France, pundits have been queuing up to praise the South Africans — including renowned Bok critics such as John Kirwan (the former All Black) and Matt Williams (the former Scotland coach). The Boks are the talk of the tugby world as the always intriguing November battle between the northern and southern hemispheres intensifies.

Suddenly, critics north of the equator have gone from grudging respect to borderline sycophantic praise after the South Africans looked at France's “revenge dish best served cold” — and sent it back to the kitchen.

The rugby world will raise eyebrows at Erasmus’s 11 changes to the tun-on side that beat France — with just one alteration on the bench — but the Boks have not disrespected Italy.