Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says his replacements are finally showing the killer instinct needed to finish off opponents.
With the likes of Bongi Mbonambi, Cheslin Kolbe and Thomas du Toit again making an impact off the bench in their 26-20 win over Scotland last weekend, Erasmus says his substitutes have the freedom to take the field and bring their own magic to the contest.
The Bok boss is also happy that they are learning to finish off games as they head into this weekend’s clash against Wales in Cardiff.
He explains: “Normally we have to catch up in games when the reserves come on.
IMPACT PLAYER: Cheslin Kolbe. Photo: MUZI NTOMBELA/BACKPAGEPIX
“Most of the close games we had to catch up like England, France, New Zealand away and then at home we lost because we had to close the game out. We’re learning from getting now how to close out games.”
He adds of the bench players: “They’re doing well. They are really making a difference.
“The bench doesn’t just come on and play their position.
MONEY ON BANK: Thomas du Toit. Photo: BACKPAGEPIX
“Thomas [du Toit] got a vital turnover at the breakdown, Lood [de Jager] had a great little sweep pass, so it’s nice when your reserves come on and want to make an impact.
“It [Scotland] was a different challenge, it was about closing a game out - that’s not something we’ve experienced before.
“We couldn’t do it against New Zealand in Pretoria and today we can say we’re getting better at it.”
LUCKY ESCAPE: Bokke skipper Siya Kolisi went unpunished. Photo: PHANDO JIKELO. African News Agency/ANA
Meanwhile, captain Siya Kolisi escaped punishment after a headbutt on a Scotland's Peter Horne.
World Rugby gave Kolisi a warning, saying: "There were mitigating factors which meant that the action did not meet the red card threshold".