Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says his lineout is not in crisis mode yet.
This despite Malcolm Marx’s wayward throw-ins costing them victory in last weekend’s 12-11 defeat to England at Twickenham.
Erasmus admits as much, being quoted by Netwerk24 as saying: “It [the lineouts] did cost us a victory against England, but I’m not worried that it will be a problem for our confidence.”
The confidence of Marx, though, will be low after the England tie.
Waiting in the wings, meanwhile, is Bongi Mbonambi, who has only started four of the 23 Tests played for the Springboks.
Malcolm Marx. Photo: SAMUEL SHIVAMBU/BACKPAGEPIX
Three of those starts were under Erasmus this year, meaning the coach has the necessary faith to back Mbonambi in the No.2 jumper.
Erasmus will name his side for the match against France in Paris this weekend on Wednesday.
And he is expected to make a number of changes to his line-up, with no less than six overseas-based players available for the encounter.
The Springboks also lacked a bit of zip off the bench this past weekend.
And if Mbonambi does crack the nod to start, having Marx play off the bench against a French team that are notorious strong finishers might not be such a bad idea.
Cheslin Kolbe Photo: BACKPAGEPIX
The return of fullbacks Willie le Roux and Cheslin Kolbe also leaves Rassie with an interesting decision to make in this position.
Damian Willemse started his first match for the Boks at 15 against England and while he can feel satisfied with his outing, Erasmus will in all likelihood test all his options on tour, which includes former Stormers star Gio Aplon.
His knowledge of local conditions and ability to play anywhere in the back three might just see Aplon coming off the bench.
Up front, the return of Franco Mostert might see Duane Vermeulen lose his No.7 jersey to Pieter-Steph Du Toit.
Erasmus, though, will find it hard to drop “Thor” after the loose forward missed this year’s Rugby Championship and will in all likelihood find a place for him in the team.