Coach Rassie Erasmus defended the inclusion of Salmaan Moerat in the Springbok squad before the match against Italy

Although Salmaan Moerat does not always attract attention with flashy moments or headlines, the Springboks' head coach, Rassie Erasmus, highly values his contribution to the World Cup squad. He issued a strong defense of the player, explaining why his work in scrums, mauls, and ball retention makes him an important part of the world-champion team, despite periodic criticism.

Moerat will play for the world-champion team for the first time this season as he was included in the 23-man squad for the Nations Cup match against Italy, which will take place in Turin on Saturday. This former Stormers player quickly adapted at La Rochelle in France, showing several good performances for the new club. He has now returned to the Bok squad, replacing Eben Etzebeth at number 4 after missing Nations Cup and 'The Greatest Rivalry' matches against the All Blacks due to neck and leg injuries.

Erasmus emphasizes Moerat's unsung work

Erasmus stated that they know what kind of physical player they have in the tight five and expect him to do his job, as always, when playing against the Azzurri on Saturday. 'I never listened to people who say nonsense about Salmaan because he is not the player you see on the field doing flashy things, and we don't expect that from him. We expect him to do what he always does for us,' Erasmus said about the star from Paarl.

He continued that they need a 'hard worker' like Jean Klerk or RG Snyman. While RG is more spectacular, that is what the team needs, and Salmaan brings that to the collective. 'Nobody probably understands how hard he fights in scrums, how hard he participates in mauls, how hard he cleans out the ball at the ruck, how physically strong he is, and how well he stops mauls. That is probably something that cannot be explained to people,' the coach noted.

Nevertheless, Erasmus added that they are not upset that people do not see this. As long as Salmaan and his teammates know that the management sees and values their efforts, he remains a player they are happy to have in the squad. 'So, when it comes to things that people don't understand or don't fully see, I understand why they have their opinion. But, obviously, we have our opinion about Salmaan.'

Erasmus acknowledged that the Springboks pay attention to public opinion in South Africa and regularly monitor discussions and criticism on social media. He also mentioned that Moerat has captained South Africa several times and performed well in those matches. This tight five led the team in three Championship matches and won two of them.

'Obviously, we listen to what people in South Africa are saying. I am not going to pretend that we are like other countries and say that social media doesn't affect us. I follow it. I like South Africans who have opinions on things, and I certainly saw it when Willie (Le Roux) was heavily criticized, when Faf (de Klerk) was out of action, and I also saw moments when someone succeeded against all odds.'

The match against Italy gives Moerat another opportunity to demonstrate why he remains highly valued in the Springboks squad, regardless of critics' opinions. With the firm support of the Bok management, he intends to let his game speak for itself in Turin.

Rassi Erasmus faces the challenge of deciding which players from the Springboks and young forwards of the South African national team should be retired, and whom to support to form a team capable of winning a third consecutive World Cup.

World Cups are often remembered by teams that crossed the line when their emotional coaches could not let go of aging stars. However, Erasmus will not allow such a scenario, as the 'Boks' are preparing to defend their title in Australia next year.

His November squad demonstrates an understanding of this task. The inclusion of several promising young players is aimed not at a complete overhaul of the South African national team, but at ensuring the readiness of the next generation for when the current elite leaves the field.

Young talents such as Yakin Ahmed, Luan Gillime, Marcus Müller, and Riley Norton were included, while Sebastian de Clercq and Emmanuel Tsituka took their places due to good form in the United Rugby Championship.

As the South African national team's opening match against Italy in Adelaide on October 3, 2027, approaches, Erasmus has little time to determine which young players can transition from promising candidates to genuine contenders for the Tests.

The November tour is seen as the ideal opportunity for this determination. At the beginning of the year, Erasmus set two key goals for 2026: achieving victory in the 'Great Rugby Rivalry' and building squad depth during international matches in July and November.

He followed this plan in July, making significant changes to the lineup for matches against Scotland and Wales after fielding his strongest team against England. Now, ahead of another intense series of games, the focus is on finding players who can withstand the pressure of international rugby without lowering the standard of the South African team's victories.

Erasmus acknowledges the value of investing in youth. The South African junior team won the U-20 Rugby World Cup in both 2025 and 2026, providing a promising stream of talent for the senior team.

Fourteen players from these recent junior successes have already gained experience in the United Rugby Championship, and three—Wusi Moyo, Jaco Williams, and Norton—have advanced to play for the senior South African team.

This is an encouraging result, but the real test is how many of them can establish themselves as permanent international players and, ultimately, World Cup contenders.

Rugby in South Africa has previously shown similar progress. The 2002 Junior World Cup champions under Jake White included John Smith, Shalk Burger, Jean de Villiers, Frikkie du Preez, and Ricky Januarie. They became central figures in the triumph of the South African team at the 2007 World Cup, where Smith led the team to glory.

The takeaway is not that every junior champion will become a star in the senior squad, but that a strong development system can lay the foundation for future international success.

School rugby is also becoming increasingly professional, helping young athletes arrive in senior squads better prepared for the demands of elite competition. Erasmus has an additional advantage in close cooperation with South Africa's U-20 coach, Kevin Fourie, which gives him insight into the progress and potential of young players long before they reach the senior squad.

His current task is to turn this potential into reliable squad depth for the Tests. This does not mean throwing a handful of young players into deep water and hoping they learn to swim. Erasmus usually prefers to introduce newcomers gradually, surrounding them with experienced veterans who can help them settle in.

The November opponents must provide a tough test. Italy is capable of causing problems for the South African team, regardless of its world ranking. Old rivals France and Ireland will be very difficult opponents.

Erasmus acknowledged that the National Championship format adds extra motivation, as every earned point could be decisive in the race for the top of the table.

South Africa is currently leading the Southern Hemisphere rankings in points difference, with 15 points, the same as New Zealand. The South African team will play Italy on November 7, France on November 13, and Ireland on November 21, before the Final weekend in London from November 27 to 29.

The immediate goal is to win, but the long-term mission is no less important. Erasmus must determine which veterans are still playing a vital role, which young players are ready right now, and where succession planning remains incomplete.