After a rainy, dominant win over the Barbarians in Cape Town, South Africa’s head coach Rassie Erasmus once again reminded the rugby world why he’s considered one of the sport’s boldest thinkers.
But it wasn’t just the scoreboard that had fans talking — it was a surprise move involving a familiar face playing in a totally new role.
Andre Esterhuizen Switches It Up
In a move that caught fans off guard, centre-turned-loose-forward Andre Esterhuizen stepped onto the field in the second half — not in his usual backline spot, but in the pack.
Rassie, never afraid to break tradition, explained the decision simply: “You can call him a hybrid player,” he said.
“He’s a backline guy who can now play in the forwards too.”
Erasmus revealed that this experiment had been brewing for months.
“We started chatting to Andre about it five months ago,” he said.
“It’s the same thinking as having a flanker like Kwagga Smith cover the wing. If forwards can adapt, why not backs?”
Rassie’s Reputation as Rugby’s Mad Genius
This isn’t Rassie’s first time rewriting the playbook.
His unconventional approach to squad selection — particularly his famous 6-2 and even 7-1 forward-back bench splits — has become a hallmark of his coaching style.
It’s that boldness that helped secure South Africa’s Rugby World Cup wins in both 2019 and 2023.
And now, with the team looking ahead to a packed 2025 schedule, Rassie’s pushing even more boundaries.
Lood de Jager’s Emotional Comeback
There was more than one feel-good story on the day.
Lock Lood de Jager, back in the green and gold after a two-year absence due to a serious heart condition and other injuries, earned high praise from Erasmus.
“He was exceptional in fitness testing three weeks ago,” Rassie said.
“What he went through could’ve ended his career. But now? He’s back and looking great.”
Erasmus also pointed out that despite Lood’s age — he’s in his early 30s — his time off the pitch may have helped preserve his body.
“It’s like he’s been ‘rested’ for a couple of years.”
Depth Is Building Fast
With de Jager returning and a healthy lock pool in the 45-man squad, Erasmus is feeling confident.
“We’ve got some nice depth at lock now,” he said, noting the depth will be key heading into July’s Tests.
The Springboks will face Italy twice — in Pretoria and Gqeberha — before taking on Georgia in Mbombela.
Rassie confirmed he already has his lineups in mind for the Italy clashes, and expects to have a settled group by the end of the Georgia Test.
Wet Weather or Not, the Focus is Growth
Despite the 54–7 thrashing of the Baabaas, Erasmus wasn’t getting carried away.
The torrential downpour in Cape Town made handling tricky and limited attacking flair.
“A lot of our line breaks and half gaps could’ve resulted in tries if the pitch had been drier,” Rassie said. “But we’re not dwelling on it.
These next three games are about focusing on ourselves and improving ahead of the Rugby Championship.”
A Big Day for Debutants — Especially Tshituka
Among the standout performances was flanker Vincent Tshituka, born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and playing for the Sharks, who bagged two tries on debut.
He was one of four newcomers to don the green and gold.
It was a proud moment — and a signal that fresh talent is ready to step up and make an impact.
What Lies Ahead for the Boks
After July’s matches, the Springboks dive into the Rugby Championship with back-to-back fixtures against Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina from August through October.
Then, in November, the team heads to Europe for Tests in France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales.
It’s all part of the long-term build-up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, where South Africa will try to defend their crown.
Rassie’s Legacy as a Game-Changer
Whether it’s putting a centre in the forward pack or changing how substitutions work entirely, Rassie Erasmus has proven again that he’s not afraid to think differently.
And more often than not, his risks pay off.