DULLSTROOM (Mpumalanga) – Vodacom Bulls legend Akona Ndungane is hardly surprised that Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made a wholesale 10 changes to his starting line-up for their second Rugby Championship Test against Australia this weekend.
Speaking at this week’s Vodacom Origins of Golf pro-am at the Highland Gate Golf and Trout Estate Ndungane, an avid golfer who plays off a five handicap, said he believes the Springbok squad has advanced well in the development of their more attacking game, allowing Erasmus more flexibility in selection ahead of Saturday’s match against the Wallabies in Perth.
“I expected that sort of start last week because we have seen the game-plan they are trying to implement. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is in amazing form and starting at flyhalf allows him to free himself, to express himself. They all seem to be really enjoying their rugby at the moment. They beat Australia 33-7, but the Wallabies were fortunate not to concede fifty points the way the Springboks dominated first phase, defence and attack. Those yellow cards at the end helped them,” he said.
“But it’s no surprise Dr Rassie has made so many changes. He’s trying to build depth and give players quality opportunities to see if they can cope. When you’re in a good place then you’re able to make changes. And I don’t think this team is really any weaker than last weekend’s. I’m really looking forward to seeing Lukhanyo Am playing at 12. We saw how good he was in his comeback against Portugal, even though injury has unfortunately slowed him down a bit. It’s an exciting combination in the backline with Sacha, Lukhanyo and Jesse Kriel playing together.”
Equally exciting for Ndungane is teeing it up in his first Vodacom Origins of Golf tournament. The former Springbok thoroughly enjoyed his first experience of the longest running pro-am series on the Sunshine Tour.
“It’s wonderful. I love golf, both watching it and playing, and to be around the pros is really special. Just to be here at this beautiful course is amazing, especially for me, being my first time playing here. What an experience, especially with the wind blowing so hard it felt like the Western Cape or a coastal course. But our pros, Cara Gorlei and Keenan Davidse, were great company and I got to play with my mate
OG Molefe. So it was a great outing.”
