Sports
Rassie Erasmus’ First Alignment Camp of the Year: A Bold Selection of Newcomers and Veteran Reinforcements
In a move that has caught the attention of rugby fans, Rassie Erasmus has invited 56 players to his first alignment camp of the year, kicking off on March 9 in Cape Town. The camp marks the beginning of the Springboks’ preparations for a busy year ahead, and its selection reveals a lot about Erasmus’ strategy and future plans for the team.
The camp will begin just one day after the Sharks face the Lions in Durban, while the Bulls and Stormers have a break that weekend following their clash on March 1. Overseas-based players will also participate, contributing to squad discussions remotely.
Veteran Presence and Surprising Call-ups
Among the 56 invited, two veterans stand out—Deon Fourie, the 38-year-old hero of the 2023 World Cup final, and Akker van der Merwe, 33, who had been previously overlooked. Their inclusion raises eyebrows, especially considering that Erasmus previously stated that his selections for the Rugby Championship would serve as an indicator of players who might feature in the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
Fourie’s return to the fold is particularly significant. After a long injury lay-off, Fourie is making a comeback with the Stormers and proving that age hasn’t diminished his competitive edge, particularly at the breakdown. His unexpected performance in the World Cup final, where he was thrust into action early due to an injury to Bongi Mbonambi, demonstrated his resilience and ability to step up when it matters most.
Erasmus has always appreciated Fourie’s “mongrel” on the field, and it’s clear that the veteran’s contributions are valued by the coach, despite his age. Fourie’s determination during the World Cup final was a defining moment in South Africa’s victory and has solidified his place in the coach’s plans.
Van der Merwe’s Unexpected Recall
The recall of Akker van der Merwe has been more surprising. The older brother of Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe, Akker debuted for the Springboks in 2018, but after a handful of appearances, he faded from the squad. There had been speculation about a rift between him and Erasmus, though the details remain unclear.
Nonetheless, Van der Merwe’s consistent performances for the Bulls over the past few years have earned him a second chance with the Springboks. Erasmus’ decision to include him in the alignment camp signals that the coach is willing to overlook past disagreements and prioritize form and experience.
Strategic Planning for Upcoming Tests
With upcoming matches against Georgia and Italy, as well as the crucial two-match series against New Zealand in September, Erasmus is clearly thinking ahead. His selection strategy appears to be focused on balancing the needs of the squad, ensuring that he has enough depth to field competitive teams in both the domestic and international arenas.
Given the challenging nature of South Africa’s upcoming fixtures, especially in New Zealand, it’s likely that Erasmus will deploy his strongest squad for the first Test against the All Blacks in Auckland, where they haven’t lost since 1994. This means that a second-string side could be fielded for the second Test against Italy, and with that in mind, Erasmus is making sure to cast a wide net when it comes to his player pool.
Age and Form: Erasmus’ Winning Formula
At the end of the day, Rassie Erasmus’ priority is simple: ensuring that the Springboks continue to win. His inclusion of both veterans like Fourie and Van der Merwe, who may not be long-term options, is a testament to his commitment to finding the right players based on form and experience, regardless of age.
By keeping a wide selection of players in the mix, Erasmus is preparing for any eventuality, ensuring that the Boks are well-equipped to face the toughest challenges of the year.
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