Erasmus reveals plans for Marco van Staden
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Despite the return of Warren Whiteley, Eben Etzebeth, Malcolm Marx and Francois Louw to the Springbok starting pack Rassie Erasmus spent time talking up his young flanker on the bench.
Marco van Staden enjoyed a stellar debut season for the Bulls and was set to feature in the Springbok no.6 jersey against England before an injury delayed his test debut.
The Springbok coach is a fan of the young flanker and the prospect of Van Staden and Louw playing in the same side excites Erasmus and while that could happen in first Rugby Championship match against Los Pumas on Saturday, it is unlikely.
Erasmus explained that Van Staden will probably replace Louw.
"Francois Louw is coming off a six or seven-week pre-season so he might struggle to go 80 minutes," Erasmus explained.
"It depends where we struggle and where we go well, but it is possible that they can play together."
It's likely that Warren Whiteley would be substituted if van Staden and Louw were to play together with the latter moving to no.8.
Erasmus is expecting a titanic battle at the breakdown on Saturday.
"I think (referee) Ben O' Keefe will have a tough one at the breakdown on Saturday. We’re definitely going to go hard at the breakdown as will the Argentineans," said Erasmus.
"They bite at every second or third breakdown really hard, and on both sides of the breakdown, on defence and attack.
“With what we have, I think we’ll be okay.”
Erasmus is expecting an energetic display from van Staden.
"Defensively, he can make turnovers. But let’s see if he can do that at Test match level," the coach said.
"I think he’ll play very much like Flo, just with more of an engine and a bit younger."
VIDEO: Rassie Erasmus on how Marco van Staden might be utilised off the bench. #SAvARG pic.twitter.com/gextjQ3UOJ
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) August 16, 2018
