Rugby Union - South Africa v Barbarian FC - DHL Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa - June 28, 2025 South Africa's Jesse Kriel lifts the trophy with teammates to celebrate after winning the match REUTERS/Esa Alexander
CAPE TOWN (Reuters) -The age of the hybrid rugby player may be nearer than many think as world champions South Africa continue to innovate, having intentionally used centre Andre Esterhuizen as a flank in Saturday’s 54-7 win over the Barbarians in Cape Town.
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has spoken at length in the past about developing players for multiple positions, and used Deon Fourie in both the front and back row of the scrum in their Rugby World Cup win in France in 2023.
