How Rassie Erasmus selects teams makes 'experimentation' possible
Former Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie discusses how Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus utilizes a core group of players to enable tactical experimentation. The strategy involves rotating the squad while maintaining consistency in key positions.
Why it matters
Understanding coaching strategies in professional rugby provides insight into team management and the development of depth in international sports.
Springboks Damian Willemse and Jesse Kriel with an inset of head coach Rassie Erasmus.
Former Wallabies head coach Ewen McKenzie believes that Rassie Erasmus relies on certain players to make his experimentation possible.
The Springboks head coach has heavily rotated his starting team in the opening three Tests of the Nations Championship, making 10 changes to his starting XV from round one to two – matching that tally for the clash against Wales this weekend.
Several players have also made their Test debuts this month, with the final game in Durban seeing four more added to the list in winger Jaco Williams, fly-half Vusi Moyo, lock Ruben van Heerden and tighthead prop Carlu Sadie.
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