The Springboks’ burgeoning lock stocks are part of the reason for Eben Etzebeth being left out of the side to face the All Blacks, says assistant coach Duane Vermeulen.
There is a youthful air about the Springbok backline this weekend, and former stalwart Duane Vermeulen believes they have what it takes to trounce the All Blacks.
All Blacks centre Quinn Tupaea says the Springboks' bold backline reshuffle for Saturday's rematch in Wellington have definitely caught the team's attention.
Ethan Hooker may be just two Tests into his international career, but the Springbok back insists he's not overawed by the prospect of starting against the All Blacks in one of rugby's fiercest rivalries.
Malcolm Marx has acknowledged that the Springboks need to sharpen their lineout accuracy, and has vowed to improve his own performance.
The Springboks' decision to reveal their team on Monday caught Scott Robertson off guard, though he was quick to hail Rassie Erasmus as "outstanding".