Erasmus wary of back-rowers Simmonds and WatsonFixture changes to limit effect of altitude on touristsThe Springbok coaches believe the
British &
Irish Lions will have a significant advantage over previous touring teams when they fly out to
South Africa next month. The Covid-influenced fixture list is set to reduce the effects of altitude on Warren Gatland’s plans and the Boks are also wary of the pacy “Hobbit-sized” forwards in the visiting squad.
With South Africa not having played since winning the Rugby
World Cup in November 2019, the Boks’ director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and head coach Jacques Nienaber will be announcing a an enlarged squad of 45 next Saturday and are resigned to the fact that, with scant chance of crowds in stadiums, home advantage will be less of a factor than normal.