Kitson's read on the early squad announcement is that it's as much a psychological move as a selection decision. By dropping a 900-cap starting XV before England have even named their team, Erasmus has dictated the week's narrative from the jump — forcing England into a reactive position before a ball has been kicked. Kolisi, Du Toit, and Marx all start, making clear there's no rotation logic at play here. It's Erasmus doing what he does: using the build-up as part of the contest.
AnalysisSpringboksThe Guardian Rugby · SA Rugby Mag · Rugby365 +2
Erasmus fires the first shot with a full-strength Bok lineup
Erasmus named a full-strength Nations Championship XV early in the week — Kitson argues it's a deliberate psychological play that puts England on the back foot before the game has even started.
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