Stick confident that ‘Eskom’ van Staden will put Italian lights out

SPRINGBOK assistant coach Mzwandile Stick has no qualms about robust flank Marco van Staden covering hooker against Italy in Turin today.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

The Boks have made 11 changes to the starting lineup that beat France last week as coach Rassie Erasmus gives opportunities to squad members who have not yet played on the five-match tour.

Erasmus also wants to rest up some senior players ahead of next week's mega clash with Ireland. That means testing the versatility of players such as Van Staden.

“Marco has been in the squad for the last couple of seasons, and there has always been a plan for him to be a backup hooker,” Stick said.

“He had game time at hooker at the 2023 World Cup (against Romania), and during the tournament, he did a lot of training and up-skilling in the position. And that has continued.

“We are comfortable having him as cover for hooker,” Stick continued. “And when he gets on the field... They don’t call him Eskom (“He puts the lights out”) for nothing. He is a very tough player and always plays with his heart.