Rassie looking for continuity

That is why he opted for Pieter Myburgh at flank in place of the suspended Schalk Burger. Myburgh will be making his Super 14 debut, with the more experienced Robbie Diack on the bench.

Luke Watson remains at No 8. Erasmus said the main reason for the selection was that they have been practicing like that for a while now already.

“It only means only one disruption to the team, as it was a straight swap with one guy going out and one coming in. We didn’t feel the need to make two changes to the team because one player is out.”

The coach admitted that the loss of the fiery Burger was a massive blow. “Yes, it is a big setback, but we should try and forget about it. Whether it was a suspension or an injury, it would have been the same thing.

“Schalk is in a class of his own, but I have confidence in the guys who are coming in.”

The former Springbok loose-forward expressed satisfaction that centre Gcobani Bobo and fullback Conrad Jantjes have recovered sufficiently from injuries to be selected for Friday night’s game.

“I am very glad about Gcobani, although Dylan looks really good and he is training well. It is good to get continuity though.” He said Bobo on Wednesday trained without being bothered by the ankle.

Jantjes didn’t take part in training on Wednesday, but Erasmus was confident that he would be ready to play. The coach gave former Bulls lock Adriaan Fondse another start, with Ross Skeate yet again on the bench. Erasmus said Fondse impressed him against the Sharks.

“He had a very good game against the Sharks. And you don’t change a team when things are busy working. Obviously we need to get the results, but I don’t think there is anything wrong with our personnel; it is a matter of execution.”