Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will be given a chance to prove his fitness ahead of Saturday’s first Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry test match against New Zealand.
The same protocol will be followed for powerhouse prop Ox Nche, both of whom still appear on the doubtful list for the Boks just five days out from the explosive first test match between the two age-old rivals.
Kolisi hobbled off in Buenos Aires during the Springboks win over Argentina just over a week ago with a hamstring strain while Nche was injured against England - coming off in the eighth minute with a knee injury and has not played for the Springboks since.
While both players are key to the Boks, Erasmus has enough depth to call on if he needs to, but the Bok coach will want both to be ready to take their places in the team.
The Boks normally have a protocol that if players can’t train on a Monday then they won’t be selected and while Erasmus may keep it close to his chest until the team announcement on Thursday, the decision will be taken on Monday night already.
Erasmus explained that the team announcement - which has been on a Monday during the Nations Championship - has moved back to the traditional Thursday spot as he doesn’t want to give the All Blacks any extra time to try and counter their plans ahead of the first game.
The All Blacks will also announce their side on Thursday, virtually at the same time as the Boks with both sides likely to ramp up the mind games as the week goes on.
The first test is seen as the catalyst for the four match series and whoever wins at Ellis Park will have an advantage as the tour heads to Cape Town for the second match.
“Yeah, I think the announcement only on Thursday out of respect for New Zealand and knowing how tough this one is going to be,” Erasmus said.
“And this one specifically, we think the less time they have to prepare for our team, the better. So it's not an arrogant thing, it's a respect thing.”
Erasmus then added that lock Franco Mostert was looking fit and should be cleared for selection this week while Nche and Kolisi - the latter who led the Boks to two World Cup titles, will be made later on Monday.
“And then I would say injuries - there are probably only two doubtful players. Sous (Mostert’s nickname) is really looking well, he's looking good. I think Siya and Ox are as well - I wouldn't say they're still injured.
“They both have niggles, but if they get through today, they will be good for us. Apart from that, yeah, there's nobody else.”
Erasmus also wouldn’t give much of an idea of who he will look to for the flyhalf role, especially now that Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is fit and available, while Manie Libbok stayed in South Africa to work with assistant coach Tony Brown ahead of the tour.
Handre Pollard, double World Cup winner, is also on the books and it is clear the Boks want to keep the All Blacks guessing with their choice as all three have significantly different strengths and can alter the way the Boks want to play.
“We're going to pick two for this weekend and that will be announced on Thursday. The Greatest Rivalry series is very long against New Zealand. As you see, both teams have got injuries already so I'm pretty sure all three will play.”
Still there are very few surprises that are likely to happen with certain positions, like Damian Willemse at fullback, Cheslin Kolbe at wing, the midfield of Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende, No 8 Jasper Wiese and flank Pieter Steph du Toit, and hooker and World Player of the year Malcolm Marx all shoo-ins for their positions.
The Boks will reveal all on Thursday but it is likely Erasmus will choose what he considers the strongest side to beat the All Blacks.