The Springboks’ famed bomb squad failed to fire in their 42-24 win over Italy at Loftus Versfeld, and now coach Rassie Erasmus is reconsidering its composition.
Even though the Boks ran in six tries, they were outscored by three tries to two in the second half which frustrated Erasmus.
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The Boks’ notorious tactic of sending on a completely new tight five in the second half, made very little impact in stemming the Italians’ attacking wave. Erasmus says the Azzurri showed immense fitness and passion to keep attacking to the very end despite playing at altitude.
“Italy brought lots of energy. We need to ensure that the guys who play in Gqeberha don’t just play for 50 or 60 minutes, but for a full 80.”
Erasmus did single out one bomb squad player who made a bit of an impact.
“Kwagga Smith did make a difference when he came on, but we struggled to generate any intensity. I’m also not satisfied with the tries we conceded, ” said Erasmus.
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The Springboks travel to Gqeberha with a full squad, the only injury concern being centre Damian de Allende’s hamstring, which Erasmus thinks will heal well before the second Test.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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