Rassie rings changes but Boks stay stacked with experience

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.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

SCRUMHALF Morné van den Berg, pictured, will partner Handré Pollard for the first time as the Springboks continue their Year-End tour against Italy.

(Backpagepix)

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 rugby 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’ 11 changes to the run-on side that beat France — with just one alteration on the bench — but the Boks have not disrespected Italy.

The reality is that, despite Erasmus resting senior players ahead of next week's tour climax against Ireland, his match-day 23 totals 670 caps. This reflects the rich harvest produced by the coach’s rotation policy.