This archive report was first published on 26 September 2019.
Published on September 26, 2019, the Springboks are set to face Namibia in a crucial Rugby World Cup Pool B clash at the City of Toyota Stadium on Saturday.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has made 13 changes to the starting side, including a new loose trio featuring mobile hooker Schalk Brits, Sevens veteran Kwagga Smith, and Francois Louw.
This change in strategy marks a departure from the forward-based, kicking style employed in the opening 23-13 loss to New Zealand last weekend.
“Namibia are a little bit of an unknown factor for us,” Erasmus said. “We studied them a lot in the games leading up to the World Cup, and then the Italy game (which Namibia lost 47-22).”
Erasmus believes the new loose trio will provide the necessary speed to counter Namibia's attacking style, which he described as wanting to play the game and enjoy it.
Namibia, however, is under no illusions about the task ahead, with coach Phil Davies acknowledging the physicality of the Bok team and the need to manage collisions.
“The collisions are a big area defensively, and then ball carrying and the set-plays,” Davies said. “They are a very physical team with a very well-drilled pack of forwards. Technically they are well organised and structured.”
