‘Krappie will ignite the field in Perth’

The Springbok bench poses a threat to the Wallabies on Sunday at Optus Stadium, but not in the usual Bomb Squad sense, according to Kiwi journalist Paul Cully.

Writing for the Sydney Morning Herald, Cully says Rassie Erasmus’ reserves, including Malcolm Marx, Jasper Wiese and Morné van den Berg, represent a formidable weapon, with all but Quan Horn having played key roles in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. 

“South Africa’s vaunted bench is casting a large shadow over the Wallabies heading into Sunday’s Test in Perth,” he writes.

“But can it be called a ‘Bomb Squad’ when it is a traditional 5-3 split of forwards and backs, as opposed to the 6-2 or 7-1 forwards-heavy variations used in the past? Possibly not.”

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Cully rates Van den Berg as increasingly the answer to whether the Boks have a scrumhalf matching the quality around him, and says Wiese – set to play his 50th Test – has settled any debate about the world’s best No 8.

“He [Van den Berg] will ignite the Test when he takes the field in Perth about 10 minutes into the second half,” he adds.

“[Wiese’s] relentless ability to carry the ball across the gain line is remarkable.”

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Cully also argues Erasmus is not entirely bluffing in calling Australia historically awkward opponents, with Rob Valetini and Joseph Suaalii’s aerial threat offering genuine counters.

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Photo: Alan Spiegler/Gallo Images