Scott Robertson’s take on Eben Etzebeth’s addition to the Springboks 23
Scott Robertson has reacted to Eben Etzebeth's elevation back into the Springboks team.
Scott Robertson has reacted to Eben Etzebeth’s elevation back into the Springboks team as well as Rassie Erasmus’ tactic of naming his squad early.
Etzebeth looked set to miss the clash between the Springboks and All Blacks at Ellis Park in the Rugby Championship through injury after Erasmus named his initial team without the powerhouse lock on Tuesday.
However, the Bok boss stated that there could be a change and that proved to be the case as just a day later Etzebeth was included on the bench at the expense of back-rower Marco van Staden.
Scott Robertson’s reaction to Eben Etzebeth starting
When asked about the change, Robertson was rather straightforward in his response and understood why Erasmus made the change.
“Changing again have they, another one?” the All Blacks boss joked.
“Obviously they have done the medical check and it’s gone better than expected or planned and if you have got a great player, you take every opportunity to get him on the field if you can and they have.”
Unlike other teams, the Springboks name their team early in the week with most other head coaches – like Robertson – only releasing their teamsheet to the public on a Thursday before a Saturday Test match.
Erasmus adopted the tactic of naming his team early back in 2019 and has largely kept it in place with a few exceptions.
Asked for his views on the Boks naming their side early and whether it caused a rethink in the All Blacks’ selection Robertson swiftly responded ‘no’ but added: “We name our team on Tuesday too but we just don’t tell anyone on Tuesday.
“It’s just the way they do it, I like it, it’s a little bit different.”
Tony Brown’s influence
Saturday will not only be the first time that he goes toe-to-toe with Erasmus on the international stage but also his former teammate Tony Brown will also be in the opposing coaching box.
Robertson was full of praise for the ex-All Blacks fly-half, who he initially wanted in his coaching team when applying for the top gig in New Zealand in 2019.
“I played 20s, New Zealand Colts with Tony… ah he is tough, brutally tough and a great mind, good rugby man and he’s brought a little bit of his magic touch to the Springboks,” the head coach noted.
“We’ve seen their game evolve and how they play, how they use their forwards so they’re doing well.”
READ MORE: How Tony Brown ended up in the Springboks and not the All Blacks coaching box
