Bok depth chart: Rassie Erasmus' empire
OPINION: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has built his squad’s depth to the point of having an embarrassment of riches in almost every position.
Since the 2023 World Cup Final, Erasmus has capped 19 new players, making a clear statement that he wants to ensure he has ample depth heading into a potential three-peat in 2027.
With an ageing squad filled with double World Cup winners, Erasmus is aware that not many will still be around for the global showpiece in 2027, but his player management and rotation have been key elements in keeping his best players fresh for as long as possible.
The @rugby365com team delved into the depths of the Springbok squad and compiled three Bok outfits.
Team one and two consist of capped players, whilst team three has a mixture of capped and uncapped players.
The article continues below…
Let us know what your thoughts are on the selections in the comments…
Team one: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 RG Snyman, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Faf de Klerk, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Makazole Mapimpi
Team two:15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Elrich Louw, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Neethling Fouché, 19 Salmaan Moerat , 20 Cameron Hanekom, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Jordan Hendrikse, 23 Willie le Roux
Team three: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Ntokozo Makhaza, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Cobus Wiese, 7 Ben Jason Dixon, 6 Evan Roos, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Ruan Venter, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu
Replacements: 16 Joseph Dweba, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Zach Porthen, 19 Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, 20 Nama Xaba, 21 Haashim Pead, 22 Vusi Moyo, 23 Jurenzo Julius
