[imagesource:sarugby/facebook]

Despite naming a very strong 39-man squad for South Africa’s upcoming two-Test series against Ireland, fans have called the selection “complete insanity”.

Rassie always has a trick up his leave, but those calling the selection bonkers are focused less on who he chose and more on the players that have not been included.

After winning back-to-back World Cups, Dr Erasmus noted that he would need to ‘blood fresh players’ with an eye on Australia in 2027. Still, while the Bok head coach has gone some way in doing so – issuing four debuts in his first game back in charge against Wales – some people are still not pleased with the turnover in the squad.

As naysayers tend to do, they head to social media to register their ‘outrage’.

“I understand the need for experience, especially against a team like Ireland, but as soon as form doesn’t matter, it looks a little bit like mates’ rates.”

One name that repeatedly crept up as one that should have been included in the 39-man squad was Bulls star Elrigh Louw. The back-rower enjoyed a superb season for the Bulls and was named in the URC Elite XV, with his efforts helping Jake White’s side reach the competition’s final. But still, it was not enough to convince the Bok coaching staff.

“I love Dixon and Buthelezi, but Elrigh Louw would be in for me easily over those two.”

“Complete insanity not having Ruan Nortje or Elrigh Louw in that squad.”

That last one was from Bulls supporter A-P Cronje, who echoed the sentiments that Louw’s fellow clubmate Ruan Nortje also deserved a place in the squad but didn’t even feature on the standby list.

“If Elrigh isn’t injured then I need someone to explain that to me. Because that is absolutely crazy. Ruan Nortje also massively snubbed. Feel for them because to me this is madness.”

Despite the twitter-outrage, Rassie is known for holding some of his cards tight to his chest and making some surprise selections and this squad was no different. He also has more World Cup trophies under his belt than any of the commentators.

Rassie also called up two further uncapped players in Bulls front-rowers Johan Grobbelaar and Jan-Hendrik Wessels. While the former has been superb over the last few seasons, the latter was used sparingly in the latter stages of the Bulls’ campaign and was largely viewed as the team’s third-choice hooker.

Commenting on Wessels’ call-up, Erasmus said: “Jan-Hendrik is equally efficient at prop and hooker, which increases our front-row options, and hopefully, with their talent and drive, they will add great value to the squad.”

That being said, X responded:

“I don’t quite get the Jan-Hendrik Wessels thing to be honest with you.”

“Wessels who has not played for the Bulls in ages also walks into the squad ahead of A-H Venter? Another bizarre call tbh…some of these calls are truly puzzling.”

Analyst Angus Usher however summed up the criticism quite nicely.

⏳Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives⌛️ pic.twitter.com/Y7mwzU5idd

— Angus (@AnalystGus) June 25, 2024

Indeed. No Springbok selection will ever be to everyone’s liking, but even if he decides to select an air fryer and two fenceposts for the front row, in Rassie we trust.

Speaking of trust, Rassie also klapped back at Racing 92 owner over his Siya Kolisi remarks, saying “Siya will be captain and Siya will play No6 and Siya’s fit and Siya’s got no injury and Siya’s not fat and Siya’s not transparent.”

Mike dropped.

[source:planetrugby]