\n<\/p>\n
Erasmus even mentioned the possibility of fielding one of his coaches against Wales this weekend if they get a late injury crisis.<\/p>\n
Former number eight Duane Vermeulen is among the last-resort options for the Test in Cardiff.<\/p>\n
Vermeulen, 39, retired with 76 Test caps after the World Cup final in Paris two years ago.<\/p>\n
“We kind of rolled the dice because we really only have 24 players with us,” said Erasmus.<\/p>\n
“Ntuthuko Mchunu is the 24th player, and Duane Vermeulen is currently the 25th if we get an injury before Saturday.”<\/p>\n
Thirteen of Wales’ squad have returned to their English and French clubs, Steve Tandy’s side having conceded half-centuries to both Argentina and New Zealand this autumn with his first-choice line-up.<\/p>\n
“Both teams were in a similar situation with regards to the availability of players, but they have a balanced squad with a few seasoned players and several younger guys who will be desperate to make a statement,” said Erasmus.<\/p>\n
“So, we are expecting them to come out firing and to throw everything at us.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n