Uncapped European-based forward on Erasmus' radar
- 2922
Springbok Head Coach Rassie Erasmus made the unprecedented call to hand overseas-based outside back Cheslin Kolbe his first Springbok coach in 2018 and he looks he might make the same call in 2019.
In past very few South Africans have made their test debut while plying their trade outside of the Republic with Cheslin Kolbe being the first under Rassie Erasmus' tenure as the Springbok coach.
However, Kolbe's clubmate Rynhardt Elstadt could be the second player to do so with Africans newspaper the Rapport reporting that his performances have caught the eye of Erasmus who has already initiated talks with the club and informed officials of his intention to call-up Elstadt.
Elstadt left the Stormers in 2017 to sign with Toulouse and can comfortably play lock and blindside flank. The 29-year-old has been in fantastic form for Toulouse this season helping them to the Champions Cup Semi-Final as well as top spot in the Top 14.
Elstadt finished the Champions Cup as one on the top tacklers in the competition averaging 15.75 tackles a game and is among the top 10 tacklers in the Top 14.
His versatility could be key for the Springboks who seem to only have Pieter-Steph du Toit who can comfortably start at lock and blindside as Erasmus favours Franco Mostert more as a lock.