Former Springbok winger Breyton Paulse believes Rassie Erasmus has found the right way to introduce exciting young talent into the Springbok set-up.
Paulse says he’s been encouraged to see Junior Springbok stars Jaco Williams, Vusi Moyo and Riley Norton included among six uncapped players in the Springbok squad ahead of next week’s Nations Championship opener against England at Ellis Park.
They are joined by Paul de Villiers, Ruben van Heerden and Carlü Sadie, who are all in line to earn their first Test caps.
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“[Young players] are coming into an extraordinary team environment, where they can settle themselves seamlessly and adapt to the culture of the Boks,” Paulse told IOL.
“For youngsters like Vusi and Jaco, that is massive. When I was playing, something like that wouldn’t just have happened. The guys would’ve said, ‘you are too young and have a lot to learn’.
“But there is nothing like that here.”
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Paulse believes Erasmus deserves credit for trusting talented youngsters while surrounding them with experienced world champions.
“Rassie has struck a balance between fast-tracking young stars and giving them opportunities,” he said.
“He always comes with one or two surprises when it comes to his squads. I mean, who would’ve thought someone like Riley or the other youngsters would get a chance so early?”
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
The post Breytie hails Rassie’s bold Bok blueprint appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
