Malcolm Marx could slot in on the flank for the Springboks as Rassie Erasmus reveals his expectations of No 8 Marco van Staden and a revamped front row on Sunday.
Marx has been named on the bench to face the Wallabies in Perth. Van Staden will pack down at the back of the scrum in a loose trio with Elrigh Louw and Paul de Villiers.
Props Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Zachary Porthen link up with hooker Johan Grobbelaar at Optus Stadium.
Erasmus explained that Van Staden’s positioning is primarily for scrummaging and expects him to contest aggressively at the breakdown.
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“There’s not a specific role for the eighthman apart from scrumming,” the Bok boss said in a team announcement press conference.
“If you take Paul, Marco, Elrigh, Jasper [Wiese] if he comes on, André Esterhuizen and others, I think the breakdown battle is going to be massive.
“Marco will have a massive impact there. Like Fraser McReight and the guys in their team, there are certainly guys who can disrupt a defensive breakdown. They’re really good at that and hopefully Marco can help sort that out for us.”
If Louw or De Villiers are injured during the match, Erasmus said lock Franco Mostert and skipper Esterhuizen can shift to blindside or openside, respectively.
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Erasmus said Wiese, who will win his 50th Test cap if he comes on as a substitute, provided back-up if things go “pear-shaped” and praised him for accepting the role.
“We’d have loved to start Jasper, but we need some security on the bench. We’re sure the guys who are going to start are going to be a little bit energetic and haven’t played for a while. There might be some combination hiccups.”
Erasmus said the selections of the versatile Wessels and Grobbelaar reflect the Boks’ policy of giving players opportunities and both players have experience against Australia.
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“[Deon Fourie] playing three Test matches in a row at the age of 39, Grobbies deserves a chance now.
“Even later in the game, if Ox Nché comes on, Jan-Hendrik might move to hooker, and we’ve been trying Malcolm on the flank as well.
“We’re trying to save the bodies, and manage the guys while winning but also building some squad depth.”
Photo: @Springboks/X
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