Cohesion was always going to be a problem - Rassie Erasmus

Speaking to the media in the post-match press conference, Erasmus added that cohesion was always going to be a problem due to the inexperience of the squad that played against Scotland on Saturday…

"If you win and you learn it's much nicer than when you lose and learn. Since 2018 there was a stage when we had to learn from who can do it and who still needs some work at this level. 

"If you take Scotland, we knew when they flew over after they smashed Argentina, they beat England, they beat France, and played in February. This team, there was twelve guys who had ten caps or less, so our cohesion would always be a problem - that you could see in the defence. We learnt a lot from some players."

READ: Springboks dig deep to survive Scotland scare in Loftus classic

The Springboks made 10 changes to the starting XV that defeated England 45-21 in the first round of the Nations Championship at Ellis Park last weekend. 

Erasmus said at times the team must risk results to make the big selection calls and test new combinations.

Erasmus was once again forced into making a late change ahead of the match against Scotland after Canan Moodie withdrew with what was initially described as a “niggle”

and was replaced by Ethan Hooker. 

The Boks mentor revealed to the media that the 22-year-old is dealing with a stiff hamstring as well as a fever.

The World Champions take on Wales at Kings Park Stadium in Durban next Saturday as they look to extend their lead at the top of the Southern Hemisphere table. Kick-off is scheduled for 17h40. 

Erasmus anticipates that several players will return from injury to rejoin the squad and hopes to have more experienced players available.

"Next week some guys will return to fitness, and I don't understand the Ethan Hooker concussion, hopefully I think he will be cleared."