
DURBAN – England will look to exploit an alleged “chink” in the Springbok rugby team at scrumhalf when the countries renew battle at Twickenham on Saturday, according to former England flyhalf Stuart Barnes.
Barnes, who doubles as Sky News’ rugby expert and commentator, said in an opinion column that Faf de Klerk will be sorely missed by the Boks but in positive comments he defended Rassie Erasmus for selecting 37-year-old Schalk Brits while hailing the “electric” attributes of Aphiwe Dyantyi and the attacking ability of Damian Willemse.
“If there is a chink in the Springbok ranks it is at scrum-half where Faf de Klerk will be absent. He has been the revelation of the southern hemisphere season with his furious defence and his calm control from the base,” Barnes said.
“His absence is compounded by the fact that Rassie Erasmus doesn’t have much faith in any other nine. It is a weakness in South Africa’s squad in need of addressing. It’s a weakness England will look to capitalise upon.”
Barnes added that the absence of De Klerk would crank up pressure on flyhalf Handre Pollard.