The Springboks will travel to the World Cup in Japan with two good options in the flyhalf and outside centre positions. It remains to be seen, however, who coach Rassie Erasmus will back at No 12 and whether a second inside-centre specialist will make the final squad of Allister Coetzee chopped and changed his starting lineup during the dark days of and Erasmus made it clear at the start of his tenure that he intended to experiment with individuals and combinations.
Ultimately, six No 12s and five 13s have started over a period of 40 Tests. As many as 12 combinations have been trialled as the coaches searched for the right balance in midfield. No pair has started more frequently since the beginning of the season. Injuries and issues around availability have prevented Erasmus from exploring further options.
He has had his eye on Serfontein and Frans Steyn β who start together regularly for Montpellier in France β for some time. Lukhanyo Am would have added to his starting tally β and perhaps developed a stronger partnership with incumbent No 12 De Allende β if not for a season-ending injury sustained in September SA Rugby magazine considers the answers to the inside centre question.
The 1. However, De Allende has too seldom served as a link between his 10 and Rarely has he put his outside man into space, or looked for support after breaching the gainline. While he remains a talented and potentially crucial attacking player for the Boks, it remains to be seen whether he will address these issues before the World Cup. Erasmus needs the big man to find form soon as there is a dearth of experienced 12s based in South Africa at present.
Esterhuizen cuts an imposing figure at 1. Another thing that may count in his favour is his midfield partnership with Am at the Sharks.
