FRIDAY, 8.50AM:
The morale in the South African rugby camp is very high following the availablity of flanker Johan Erasmus for the second and final Test against France on Saturday.
Erasmus, who suffered spasms on Wednesday, did not practise with the squad for the second successive day on Thursday. “He was excused from practice today, which enabled us to give Andy Aitken a run, but Rassie is available for Saturday’s game.” said coach Nick Mallett.
Werner Swanepoel, who is replacing injured Joost van der Westhuizen, has settled down and is raring to go the full distance on Saturday. “Taking on France at the Parc des Princes is one of the biggest tests you can get. Yesterday we had a two-hour organisational practice and Werner fitted in well,” said Mallett.
Mallett said they are pleased to hear that a Southern Hemisphere referee, Paddy O’Brein, will be the man in the middle. “South African players are used to being blown by O’Brein in the Super 12,” he added.