Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has explained why Johan Grobbelaar was omitted from the 37-man squad selected for the November internationals, despite the team travelling with limited specialist cover at hooker.
Malcolm Marx is the only recognised specialist hooker in the squad, while Jan-Hendrik Wessels provides another option after previously featuring as a utility player capable of covering both loosehead prop and hooker.
With Bongi Mbonambi currently outside the national squad and Deon Fourie unavailable through injury, Marco van Staden could also be used as an emergency hooker if required.
Erasmus said the decision to leave Grobbelaar at home was part of a plan to give other players more opportunities, particularly Wessels and Van Staden.
Erasmus Praises Grobbelaar Despite Tour Omission
The Springboks coach said Grobbelaar had been fully informed about the selection decision and remained highly regarded within the squad.
“We were very honest in the conversations we always have with Grobbies; if I had to give the team man-of-the-year award to someone this year, it would be him,” Erasmus said on Monday.
He explained that the coaching staff already knew what Grobbelaar could contribute and wanted to use the tour to assess other options.
“We feel like we know 100% where Grobbies is,” Erasmus said. “But we don’t want to put Grobbies on a tour and Marco doesn’t get a chance.”
Erasmus added that Grobbelaar remained in contention for future selection, including the next Rugby World Cup.
“We know that Grobbies is there, Grobbies can go to the World Cup, but we’re going to bring the other two hookers. That’s just the way it is.
“Grobbies doesn’t deserve not to be chosen.”
Six Uncapped Players Included in November Touring Group
Erasmus also outlined the plans for the six uncapped players included in the travelling squad: Riley Norton, Emmanuel Tshituka, Luan Giliomee, Yaqeen Ahmed, Markus Muller and Sebastian de Klerk.
The players joined the Springboks camp on Monday and are expected to spend the week learning the team’s structures before the coaching staff assess their progress.
“They all joined us in camp today and are excited about the tour ahead, so we’ll expose them to our structures this week and monitor how they progress,” Erasmus said.
He added that the coaching staff hoped to give them opportunities to demonstrate their abilities against high-level opposition during the coming weeks.
“They are special players, who all bring something different to the team, and we have full faith in their talent and skillsets,” he said.
Erasmus Defends Decision to Select Salmaan Moerat at Lock
The Springboks coach also defended his decision to select Salmaan Moerat at lock for the upcoming match against Italy, dismissing criticism directed at the experienced forward.
Erasmus said Moerat’s contribution should not be judged by the more visible actions often associated with other players.
“I’ve never really listened to people who talk nonsense about Salmaan, because he’s not the kind of guy you see doing the flashy work on the field, and we don’t expect him to,” he said.
“We expect him to do what he always does for us.”
Springboks Coach Highlights Moerat’s Leadership and Work Rate
Erasmus pointed to Moerat’s previous experience as captain, noting that he had led the national team several times and had maintained a winning record in those appearances.
“He’s been our captain four or five times, I’m not 100% sure, but I think he’s won every single time,” Erasmus said.
The coach described Moerat as a hardworking forward whose role was important to the team’s balance.
“We need a grinder, like a Jean Kleyn, like an RG Snyman. I think that’s a bit flashy as well, but it’s something we need in the team, and Salmaan brings it to us,” he added.
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has explained why Johan Grobbelaar was omitted from the 37-man squad selected for the November internationals, despite the team travelling with limited specialist cover at hooker.
Malcolm Marx is the only recognised specialist hooker in the squad, while Jan-Hendrik Wessels provides another option after previously featuring as a utility player capable of covering both loosehead prop and hooker.
With Bongi Mbonambi currently outside the national squad and Deon Fourie unavailable through injury, Marco van Staden could also be used as an emergency hooker if required.
Erasmus said the decision to leave Grobbelaar at home was part of a plan to give other players more opportunities, particularly Wessels and Van Staden.
Erasmus Praises Grobbelaar Despite Tour Omission
The Springboks coach said Grobbelaar had been fully informed about the selection decision and remained highly regarded within the squad.
“We were very honest in the conversations we always have with Grobbies; if I had to give the team man-of-the-year award to someone this year, it would be him,” Erasmus said on Monday.
He explained that the coaching staff already knew what Grobbelaar could contribute and wanted to use the tour to assess other options.
“We feel like we know 100% where Grobbies is,” Erasmus said. “But we don’t want to put Grobbies on a tour and Marco doesn’t get a chance.”
Erasmus added that Grobbelaar remained in contention for future selection, including the next Rugby World Cup.
“We know that Grobbies is there, Grobbies can go to the World Cup, but we’re going to bring the other two hookers. That’s just the way it is.
“Grobbies doesn’t deserve not to be chosen.”
Six Uncapped Players Included in November Touring Group
Erasmus also outlined the plans for the six uncapped players included in the travelling squad: Riley Norton, Emmanuel Tshituka, Luan Giliomee, Yaqeen Ahmed, Markus Muller and Sebastian de Klerk.
The players joined the Springboks camp on Monday and are expected to spend the week learning the team’s structures before the coaching staff assess their progress.
“They all joined us in camp today and are excited about the tour ahead, so we’ll expose them to our structures this week and monitor how they progress,” Erasmus said.
He added that the coaching staff hoped to give them opportunities to demonstrate their abilities against high-level opposition during the coming weeks.
“They are special players, who all bring something different to the team, and we have full faith in their talent and skillsets,” he said.
Erasmus Defends Decision to Select Salmaan Moerat at Lock
The Springboks coach also defended his decision to select Salmaan Moerat at lock for the upcoming match against Italy, dismissing criticism directed at the experienced forward.
Erasmus said Moerat’s contribution should not be judged by the more visible actions often associated with other players.
“I’ve never really listened to people who talk nonsense about Salmaan, because he’s not the kind of guy you see doing the flashy work on the field, and we don’t expect him to,” he said.
“We expect him to do what he always does for us.”
Springboks Coach Highlights Moerat’s Leadership and Work Rate
Erasmus pointed to Moerat’s previous experience as captain, noting that he had led the national team several times and had maintained a winning record in those appearances.
“He’s been our captain four or five times, I’m not 100% sure, but I think he’s won every single time,” Erasmus said.
The coach described Moerat as a hardworking forward whose role was important to the team’s balance.
“We need a grinder, like a Jean Kleyn, like an RG Snyman. I think that’s a bit flashy as well, but it’s something we need in the team, and Salmaan brings it to us,” he added.
