Overview
- A first‑half red card to Lood de Jager forced South Africa to reshuffle, triggering André Esterhuizen’s switch between inside centre and flanker duties.
- Esterhuizen packed down at scrums, returned to the backline for phase play, and finished a lineout‑drive try that put the Boks ahead in the second half.
- Siya Kolisi was replaced in his 100th Test to facilitate the plan, a move Erasmus described as a necessary call given Esterhuizen’s dual capability.
- Esterhuizen said the squad had prepared scenarios for him to cover loose forward or centre, enabling clear half‑time adjustments after the dismissal.
- Analysts and team voices say the hybrid approach enhances bench utility and mitigates card disruptions, with Esterhuizen noting the group now turns focus to Italy after studying July meetings.