Loftus Bok selection has it all to play for

If ever there was a gauntlet to be laid down, it is precisely what the Boks have done for Saturday’s Nations Championship test against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld.

Because this may seem like just another game for the Springboks, another chance to expand their depth, and another chance to continue the amazing run that they are under Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus.

But in reality, the gauntlet has been laid down. Last week against England the marker was put down by the more experienced Bok team, and that is the standard that needs to be fulfilled.

This week though, the selection is less experienced, just as exciting and just as fraught with danger.

Scotland are a good side, coming off an impressive win in Argentina and heading to Loftus to be bolstered by Finn Russell, one of the most creative players in World Rugby. Their players have won at Loftus before, albeit in other jerseys.

The Boks have a bit of an inexperienced look about them, are heavily laden with Bulls players and lack the experience that the side at Ellis Park had. And yet, it is one of the most intriguing fixtures on the calendar precisely because of this.

The side to take the field at Loftus smacks of hope, and is a testament to form this year. It is a chance for those on the fringes to make their mark, and it is a chance for some players to show they want to go to the World Cup.

And to be honest, Erasmus has earned the right to experiment. The Boks know what are expected of them, and individually there can be few complaints that any of them deserve a chance.

Erasmus has selected this side exactly to see what they can do under pressure. It is a gamble, but if it pays off, it can be an incredible win for the Boks. If it doesn’t it will give him much food for thought when he needs to cut the squad to 33 for next year’s World Cup.

In short it is a watershed moment for many, and for those who want to go to Australia, they know what they need to do.

Erasmus confirmed it earlier this week, saying the team was selected precisely with this in mind.

“No, this team was selected a while ago,” Erasmus said.

“This team was not picked with a particular opposition in mind; it is for us to make sure that when we go into the World Cup next year, we know who can do what and when, and under pressure or not under pressure.

“This will be a nice test for a lot of these guys to see, when we get to the important part of next year, who can step up. Having said that, they would not be playing in this match if we did not think they are capable of doing the job for us.”

That job needs to be done. Scotland are a tough team to face without some key Boks in the side. But individually the Bulls players - Wilco Louw, Johan Grobbelaar, Cobus Wiese, Handre Pollard, Embrose Papier and even Canan Moodie all know the spotlight will be on them. It will be on Evan Roos and his perennial claim for selection.

It will be on Aphelele Fassi at the back, Edwill van der Merwe on the wing and on the bench, who are fast, mobile and very promising.

This team will need to feel the pressure, but they will also be at altitude and at Loftus and have a unique opportunity to make a statement about their future and the future of Springbok rugby.

And that makes it a mouth-watering prospect.