The beginning of the Springboks’ season remains to be greater than a few months away, however there’s already an harm disaster of types to cope with.
Within the all-important place at No 8, the 2 frontrunners on this function from final 12 months, Jasper Wiese and Elrigh Louw, have already been dominated out for at the very least nearly all of the 2025 Check season resulting from harm.
And so it begs the query, who’s the Springboks’ subsequent most suitable choice at No 8.
It might result in an thrilling alternative for gifted teen Cameron Hanekom, who earned his first Check cap on the finish of final 12 months, and who has continued to impress for the Bulls with regularity.
One thing comparable might be mentioned for gifted Lions teen Ruan Venter, who additionally debuted for the Springboks final 12 months, and appears effectively set for extra alternatives in the back of the scrum now.
There may be Evan Roos and even overseas-based Juarno Augustus, whereas Lions star Francke Horn or Sale Sharks stalwart Jean-Luc du Preez might be different left-field concerns.
One other consideration could be for Kwagga Smith to be deployed barely out of place at No 8, however this is able to seemingly defy the aim of actually discovering some long-term choices on this function.
The Springbok coaches may additionally think about Siya Kolisi on this function after impressing there for the Sharks this season, however the worth of equivalent to shift can be debatable.
The excellent news is that there are many gifted kids coming by way of, from Phepsi Buthelezi to Celimpilo Gumede, however each of those gamers appear extra comfy on the flank.
All in all, there are not any scarcity of options, however there could be no denying that Louw and Wiese shall be sorely missed this season.
SPRINGBOKS’ 2025 TEST SCHEDULE:
TBC: vs Barbarians, TBC, TBC
5 July: vs Italy, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
12 July: vs Italy, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha
19 July: vs Georgia, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
16 August: vs Australia, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
23 August: vs Australia, DHL Stadium, Cape City
6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland
13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington
27 September: vs Argentina, Kings Park, Durban
4 October: vs Argentina, London
1 November: vs Wales, Cardiff
8 November: vs France, Paris
15 November: vs Italy, Turin
22 November: vs Eire, Dublin
*SA Rugby are engaged on including two extra Checks for the Springboks, more likely to be in opposition to Japan and Portugal
WHO DO YOU THINK SHOULD SLOT IN AT NO 8?
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