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‘We saw where we need to work hard': Not picture perfect for Boks

‘We saw where we need to work hard': Not picture perfect for Boks

The Herald20-07-2025
There were times, too, when the Rugby World Cup holders failed to fully assert themselves in the set pieces. Amid personnel changes there were some wonky line-outs but perhaps more pressing was some of the inconsistencies that crept into their scrum.
Without the injured Frans Malherbe and Steven Kitshoff the Boks don't have the depth that made them such a compelling force a year or so ago. Ox Nché and Wilco Louw are rampaging scrummagers but the Bok supply line doesn't carry the same reputational weight.
Ever seeking improvement the coach thrust a brand new front row into battle against Georgia. Boan Venter, Marnus van der Merwe and Neethling Fouche emerged from their debut with credentials intact, but again not all the images were flattering.
'He made a few errors here and there,' said Erasmus of hooker Van der Merwe. 'Marnus is a future Springbok. He wasn't outstanding but he showed one only really settles after three, four matches before feeling comfortable in the environment.
'Boan did well. He really did well.'
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