Erasmus faces No 8 dilemma as breakdown becomes Springboks' battleground

The Springboks, despite their imposing physicality, are facing growing scrutiny at the breakdown — an area that has traditionally underpinned their defensive strength and counter-attacking prowess.

That frailty at the tackle area was exposed in the Tests against Italy and, more recently, Australia. The world champions can expect the All Blacks to target that weakness ahead of Saturday’s first Rugby Championship match at Eden Park (9.05am kick-off).

Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus expressed his disappointment at just how ineffective his side was in this area of play, especially in the first match against the Wallabies. Things improved in Cape Town, but it was still not up to the standard that an international Test match demands.

Ardie Savea and his teammates will be licking their lips to get stuck into the rucks with the Boks, and if a repeat of the Aussie match occurs, it could be a long day for the South Africans.

The absence of captain Siya Kolisi and his work at the breakdown has played a significant role in this issue. Kolisi, recovering from a knee injury, might be missing once again this weekend, and the Boks will have to rely on someone else to clean up at the breakdown when they are in possession.

A key point of contention is the selection dilemma at No 8.

Do they go with Kwagga Smith or Jean-Luc du Preez?

And how will this influence the identity of the Bok loose trio?

Smith’s dynamism, pace, and agility at the breakdown could make him the ideal replacement for Kolisi should he not be selected. However, the physicality and gainline presence of a ball-carrier like Du Preez could benefit the world champions in a tight contest.

Smith brings energy and speed to the breakdown, and his willingness to put his head into the rucks to disrupt opposition ball while competing for turnovers is invaluable.

He is also an excellent link in broken play. However, he sometimes lacks the physical edge of traditional Bok eighth men. This has raised concerns about his effectiveness in tight exchanges, especially when the Boks are under territorial pressure and need front-foot dominance from their back row.

On the other hand, Du Preez offers a different style that is more aligned with the traditional Springbok approach. He’s a strong carrier, holds his own in tight exchanges, and provides set-piece stability, particularly at the lineout.

While he may not possess Smith’s speed around the park, Du Preez adds the physicality that could help the Boks regain control at the gainline and assert themselves physically against the All Blacks.

Against a side like New Zealand, where speed and unpredictability could dictate the game, Smith might be the better fit. However, in a World Cup-style arm wrestle to try and break an 88-year winless drought at Eden Park, Du Preez’s power could be indispensable.