Springboks планируют расширить состав команды для матчей против All Blacks, учитывая выступление Диона Фури

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus refuted suggestions that Argentina is an unsportsmanlike team, despite the scandal that surrounded the Los Pumas after their defeat to England in the Rugby World Cup.

Los Pumas faced heavy criticism following the match, which ended 34:21 in July. This tense match resulted in seven yellow cards, an accusation of improper conduct by World Rugby against winger Tomás Albornoz for physical contact with referee Angus Gardner, and the sudden departure of head coach Felipe Contepomi from the post-match press conference because he perceived it as disrespect from England.

Before the upcoming match in Buenos Aires against the Springboks, Los Pumas legend Federico Mendes urged the current generation to 'behave and control themselves.'

However, Erasmus emphasized that South Africa anticipates a very intense confrontation, not one plagued by disciplinary issues. He noted that the team knows Argentina well, as they play each other twice a year, apart from the current year.

'We know Argentina well. We play them twice a year, except this year, so we know their players, and they know us,' Erasmus stated on Tuesday. He added that some Springboks players have played with Argentinians in French or Japanese clubs, which allowed them to build good relationships with those players.

Regarding the officiating incident in the previous game, Erasmus said it was not up for comment, as referee Christoph Ridley would be working in the upcoming match. He acknowledged that new protocols make communication with the referee before the game difficult but stressed that he has never encountered Argentina being a negative or overly aggressive team. He concluded that while they are tough and physically strong players, he has never considered them unsportsmanlike.

The match against England was marred by numerous controversial moments: seven yellow cards between the teams and several scuffles on the field. Following this, Albornoz was sanctioned by World Rugby after clashing with Gardner when a late try that could have equalized the score was disallowed.

Contepomi also cut short his media conference just four minutes after the match, accusing England of 'disrespect' due to loud celebrations and music coming from the adjacent dressing room. Similar to Erasmus, Contepomi used this game to expand the squad, releasing ten new players, most of whom are young, in preparation for next year's World Cup.

Erasmus is also balancing the need to win with the opportunity to integrate players returning from injury, as well as giving chances to less experienced team members. He stated: 'Primarily, we want to win. If we win, the margin of victory is not that important. We have many key players returning from injuries, as well as some who are not yet settled in the team, such as Cameron Hanekom, Elryeg Lou, and Boan Winter, players with few matches.' He added that this means the game will not be perfect, but if they improve, develop in the game, and synchronize, the game will be in their favor, provided the playing time is set for the players returning from injury.

Springbok scrumhalf Embrose Papier needs to gather important information about the All Blacks during the match against the Bulls, which could allow him to return to the Bok squad if he plays strongly mid-week.

Opportunities for Reserves

Rassie Erasmus offered a 'golden opportunity' to Embrose Papier, Evan Roos, and other Springboks reserves, while warning the current squad that their place in the team is not guaranteed.

The duo from the Stormers, consisting of Roos and Andre Hugo Venter, as well as potentially Ntuthuko Mchunu, who is still with the national team, along with Bulls scrumhalf Papier, received a chance to fight their way back into the national team during the 'Great Rivalry' tour in the Rugby tournament against the All Blacks.

Match Schedule and Assessment

Venter and Roos might get a chance as early as next Friday when the Stormers face the New Zealanders in the first match in Cape Town. Papier will have the opportunity to prove his worth when the Bulls play the visitors on August 19, just a week before the first test match in Ellis Park.

Erasmus confirmed that he and his coaching staff will closely monitor the mid-week matches. If a player demonstrates outstanding performance, the door back into the Bok team may reopen. However, he also issued a clear warning to the players already in the Springbok squad.

Warnings and Coach's Plan

Poor performance against Argentina in the last friendly match next Saturday or during the 'Great Rivalry' encounters could lead them to lose their spots to franchise stars who will get their chance against the All Blacks.

Initially, the exclusion of Papier raised questions, especially after his impressive performance at the World Cup, where he received his first test match since 2018, and thanks to his consistent form in the United Rugby Championship. There were strong calls to keep him in the Bok squad ahead of players like Herschel Jantjies or Morne van den Berg.

Nevertheless, Erasmus's explanation was quite logical. He released his Springbok reserves to their franchises so they could test themselves against world-class players, while also giving the Bok management another opportunity to assess their readiness before the series of test matches.

They were given something perhaps more valuable than a bench spot—the chance to play against the Kiwis before the Springboks get such an opportunity. And Erasmus has shown in the past that he rewards players who seize opportunities at the most crucial moments.

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus intends to keep his cards close to his chest regarding the tactics the team might employ during the upcoming series of matches against the All Blacks as part of the tour, which is one of the greatest rivalries in rugby.

Team Playing Styles

There has been much discussion about how the New Zealand team performed in the first stage of the Nations Cup against France, Italy, and Ireland. The All Blacks demonstrated a high-tempo, possession-oriented game and led the tournament statistics for meters run and number of carries.

The Springboks, conversely, utilized more kicks than any other team, defeating England, Scotland, and Wales, placing a strong emphasis on controlled kicking as a lethal attacking weapon. Nevertheless, despite the differences in their styles, it was South Africa that emerged from the first block with more points scored and more tries than their fierce rivals.

Match Preparation

Although New Zealand selected several strong runners for the trip to South Africa, it is unlikely they will deviate from their high-tempo philosophy. Speaking to the press in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Erasmus commented on New Zealand's squad selection but remained characteristically cryptic when asked how the Blacks plan to counter this choice.

Erasmus stated: 'If we field Sacchu [Fineberg-Mngomezulu], Handre [Pollard], or Mani [Libbok] at winger, we have to decide whether we are playing a kicking game or a running game.' He added that the decision would depend on which team they choose and how the All Blacks perform in franchise matches. 'We haven't done much analysis on the All Blacks, so the squad for the greatest rivalry series will only be announced after the match against Argentina.'

Additional Matches and Opportunities

In addition to the four-match series, the tour includes mid-week historical matches where the All Blacks will face South African United Rugby Championship franchises—Stormers, Sharks, Bulls, and Lions. For Erasmus, these provincial games evoke warm personal memories and represent a grand platform for local players.

He noted: 'The franchise matches are quite special. I remember playing for the Cheetahs in a mid-week match against the British and Irish Lions, as well as my first match for the Springboks against them. This jersey from the Free State is framed.' Erasmus also emphasized: 'It is a huge honour for me to play against the All Blacks. Facing the haka of these players will be an honour.'

It is worth noting that Erasmus mentioned that the doors remain wide open for local stars who may earn a spot in the national squad through these mid-week encounters. He concluded: 'There are several players we released to the provinces, and they can still make the squad by showing excellent play against the All Blacks for their franchises.'