Wiese and Mbonambi back Esterhuizen’s bold Springbok role shift

Rassie Erasmus might have opened Pandora’s box this past weekend, but his Springbok charges have seemingly bought into his new experiment.

Against the Barbarians, the Bok mentor subbed centre André Esterhuizen onto the field in the 44th minute to replace flanker Marco van Staden. It left jaws hanging agape across the rugby world and tongues positively wagging about the audacity of it all, while gushing about the depth the Boks currently enjoy.

On Wednesday, Jasper Wiese could only crack a knowing smile when asked about Esterhuizen’s foray into the pack, in what has been termed a ‘hybrid player’ role.

“I think it is amazing,” said the No 8, who will start against Italy on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld (kick-off 5pm).

“André is a big boy and I think he can do just as well amongst the forwards and bring just as much value to our game as he does for the backs. Personally, I love seeing it — a guy that is as physical as him.

“If you take Damian de Allende as well, he can also bring it to the forwards. That is just the stage we are at with the quality players that we have. We are very excited for André to get in there with the mauls and the scrums.”

It was a sentiment shared by hooker Bongi Mbonambi.

“André is a special talent,” the 34-year-old agreed. “It wasn't his first time being at flank.

“He was telling us he played there at high school, and he has played at flank for the Sharks a little bit. You can see he is a unit.

“Who wouldn't want someone like that on the side of the scrum?

“He is very skilful … and he is quite solid in defence. He is a great asset for us. We enjoy wherever he slots in.”

Esterhuizen will not play this weekend, but as revealed by Erasmus, the Bok squad has been split internally between two teams. It is, therefore, possible that the 31-year-old features the following Saturday in the second Test against Italy in Gqeberha, where he can continue the experiment.

If Wiese’s musings are anything to go by, perhaps it will be De Allende’s turn this weekend to give the flank position a crack. As tantalising as that prospect might be, it’s probably a long shot at best.

With Erasmus, though, nothing is true and everything is permitted.