Erasmus has to reassess Springboks options

Rassie Erasmus’s Springboks side will have a different look and feel to it on Saturday when South Africa tackle Wales in the final game of the Quilter Nations at Principality Stadium.

After his side had dismantled Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, South Africa’s head coach revealed in the post-match press conference his Japanese-based allocation would now be unavailable for their fina game of the autumn series.

In total, 15 players will return to their clubs in Japan and South Africa with a full round of Untied Rugby Championship also scheduled this weekend.

“We are going to lose quite a few players,” Erasmus said, “We have spoken to our URC friends back in South Africa, and some players need to go back to their provinces, so we will train next week with only 25 players in the group.

“We will assess the injuries and then make some calls. There are quite a few guys who must also go back to Japan. Jesse (Kriel) can’t play, and some of the Japanese clubs asked us nicely for their players.

“They helped us out with the Japan match that was outside the window, and this match is also outside the window.”

Despite having so many players unavailable, Erasmus said Saturday’s clash against Steve Tandy’s Wales side was still vital as world ranking points are at stake and they are determined to enter 2026 as the leading side in world rugby.

“Some people might have expected us to beat Ireland because they are No 4 and we are No 1, but we still know that we can slip if we lose focus for the Test against Wales,” he said.

“I think we’ve used 50 players this year. Next year we can do more experiments. The first goal was just to finish in the top four so that with the World Cup draw we don’t end up in a Group of Death.”

Even though he won’t be present Kriel is expecting his Boks teammate to face a real battle against Wales.

“It will be another massive Test match this weekend and we’ve really had some tough games so far in this series; it will be no different in the final one. I am really excited for it and to see if the boys can get the job done.”