Three positions of concern for Springboks

As the Springboks edge ever closer to the start of the 2025 season, coach Rassie Erasmus has made it clear that the team’s selection policy will include plenty of rotation and taking a long-term view when balancing game-time.

It is with an eye to the future, that there should certainly be a priority placed on building some much-needed depth in three positions.

POSITIONS WHERE THE SPRINGBOKS MUST EXPAND OPTIONS

Lock

When Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, RG Snyman and Lood de Jager are all fit and available, the Springboks have some of world rugby’s most enviable second row stocks, but all of these players are now into their 30s.

Ruan Nortje and Salmaan Moerat certainly offer some level of back up, but it’s in the youth ranks where the Springboks will really hope to start blooding some fresh talent.

There are the likes of Reinhardt Ludwig, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg and JF van Heerden who have come onto radar, and this really is the season when the Springbok need to start finding the ‘next gen’ stars at lock.

Tighthead prop

In recent times, Frans Malherbe and Vincent Koch have carried a heavy workload at tighthead prop, and there will now be some real concern that the former has suffered what could be a serious back injury.

Trevor Nyakane is also out for the year with a serious injury, and it seems rather unlikely that the 35-year-old will come into the Springbok mix again considering his age.

This could ultimately be the season for 30-year-old powerhouse Wilco Louw to make his mark, while it will be interesting to see whether Thomas du Toit and Neethling Fouche might feature at tighthead.

Then there is also burly Lions front rower Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who has been catching the eye on the domestic scene, and he will add to the options in another position where the Springboks must establish a ‘back up’ pecking order.

Hooker

No one really needs reminding of the tricky situation the Springboks found themselves in at the 2023 World Cup after an injury to Malcom Marx.

It left Deon Fourie serving as emergency back up at hooker, as well as Marco van Staden, in two less than ideal scenarios which are unlikely to be repeated.

It’s a position where the Springboks simply must build some depth, and perhaps a project could see the national coaches look to encourage talented Jan-Hendrik Wessels to start settling at hooker.

Joseph Dweba and Andre-Hugo Venter were also invited to alignment camps earlier this year, while Marnus van der Merwe could be a bolter who comes into the picture.

DO YOU THINK ANY OTHER PLAYERS COULD ASSIST IN THESE POSITIONS?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

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