Rassie Erasmus hints at new Springbok role for Malcolm Marx

After a demanding run of Tests, Erasmus has opted to rotate several players, with Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Johan Grobbelaar and Zachary Porthen forming a new-look starting front row.

Grobbelaar's inclusion comes after Deon Fourie featured in three successive Tests at the age of 39.

"After Deon (Fourie) played so well in the Stormers game against the All Blacks, we felt he could bring a helluva lot to the team in terms of knowledge, character and leadership, and he certainly did.

"However, with him playing three Test matches in a row at the age of 39, Grobbies deserves a chance now," said the Bok mentor.

Wessels also gives Erasmus added flexibility, with the prop capable of moving to hooker during the match.

"Jan-Hendrik can play No.1 and No.2 for you, so in this specific game we feel we are giving him a chance," Erasmus said.

That versatility could have another consequence, with Erasmus revealing that Malcolm Marx has been trialled at flank.

"Even later in the game if Ox comes in, Jan-Hendrik might move to hooker, and we have been trying Malcolm on the flank a little bit," he continued.

Marx is among the experienced players named on the bench, alongside Ox Nche and Wilco Louw, and could therefore provide another option in the back row if the game demands it.

Erasmus has also made a change at the back of the scrum, with Marco van Staden selected at No.8 alongside Elrigh Louw and Paul de Villiers.

The coach explained that Van Staden's role will be particularly important at scrum time and at the breakdown, where he expects a major battle against Australia.

"There's not a specific role for the eighthman apart from scrumming," Erasmus said.

"If you take Paul, Marco, Elrigh, Jasper (Wiese) if he comes on, Andre Esterhuizen and others, I think the breakdown battle is going to be massive.

"Marco will have a massive impact there. Like Fraser McReight and the guys in their team, there are certainly guys who can disrupt a defensive breakdown. They're really good at that and hopefully Marco can help sort that out for us."

Jasper Wiese will provide additional cover from the bench and could earn his 50th Test cap if he takes the field.

"We'd have loved to start Jasper, but we need some security on the bench. We're sure the guys who are going to start are going to be a little bit energetic and haven't played for a while. There might be some combination hiccups."

Erasmus stressed that the changes are part of a wider strategy to manage his players while continuing to develop the depth he believes will be required in the future.

"We are trying to save the bodies and manage the guys well while winning and building some squad depth and getting some caps into certain guys where we feel we are going to need it at the World Cup," Erasmus explained.

"So, it's a combination of things."

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