The decision to partner Eben Etzebeth alongside Franco Mostert might prove to be perfect by Rassie Erasmus, writes JUANDRE JOUBERT.
The Springboks struggled at lineout time against Argentina in Durban, squandering a lot of attacking ball with Malcolm Marx’s throws going astray.
The addition of Mostert, who plays with Marx at the Lions, will see a big improvement at lineout time.
The reason Mostert missed the match in Durban, might have been because he played 1,513 minutes out of a possible 1,520 for the Lions during the Super Rugby season. He failed to play 80 minutes in only two games. He won the most lineouts (80) and he also stole the most on the opponent’s throw (13).
His partner in the second row, Etzebeth, did not feature in Super Rugby at all. A lot of people, including myself, questioned if Etzebeth deserved his start in Durban. But he had a monster of a game. He made 89m from 17 carries, made 12 tackles and only missed one. Even with Marx’s lineout woes, Etzebeth won six and stole one on Argentina’s throw, justifying Erasmus’ choice to pick him.
To see him and Mostert play next to each other excites me. Against France last year they combined to win 19 lineouts while stealing four on the opposition’s throw.
In the 2017 Rugby Championship Etzebeth was ranked first in lineouts won (22), while Mostert won 10. I hope to see the same from them in this year’s competition.
RG Snyman, who is on the bench in place of Marvin Orie, will look to continue the good form he showed in June against England, while Pieter-Steph du Toit takes the place of Marco van Staden.
Mario Ledezma said that the Bok pack is the most physical in the world after the Durban defeat, and he can expect more of this same in Mendoza on Saturday.
The only other change sees Wilco Louw replace Thomas du Toit.
The Boks will look to soften the Pumas up front, and the unleash the ball to the speedsters to wide.
With Mostert partnering Etzebeth, I expect at least one driving-maul try for the Boks in Mendoza.
Photo: Wessel Oosthuizen/Gallo Images
