No rookie for the wolves - Heyneke
Springbok coach, Heyneke Meyer, has explained his decision not to summon Pieter-Steph du Toit for the Castle Rugby Championship clash with New Zealand.
Meyer says New Zealand have improved greatly at contesting in the line-out and that picking Du Toit at this stage would be "like throwing a rookie to the wolves."
Meyer rates the Sharks lock forward highly, but sees Du Toit as a long-term option.
He selected Franco van der Merwe as replacement for the suspended Flip van der Merwe and says the MTN Lions lock forward has been part of the Bok squad for quite a while. Meyer also said today that he believes the gap between the Boks and All Blacks is closing.
Meyer has huge respect for what he calls a settled and experienced All Blacks unit, but says the Boks can beat the world champions if they are clinical in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The Boks need to win and secure a bonus point, while also preventing the All Blacks from taking anything from the match.
Four tries or a defeat by seven points or less will be enough for New Zealand to win the title.
The Boks must win, score four tries, beat the Kiwis by eight points or more and prevent New Zealand from scoring four tries.
JJ Engelbrecht appears doubtful for the showdown at Ellis Park. The centre has a thigh injury.
Kickoff is at 5pm.
(File Photo:Gallo Images)
- Andre Bloem
Twitter - @SportswaveAndre