Bokometer: Depth, doubt and decisions at lock
BOKOMETER: As Rassie Erasmus plots his next move, the Bokometer checks the temperature of the Springbok squad, measuring form, fitness, and future potential across the park with the spotlight first falling on the tall timber, the skrycrapers.
The so-called Greatest Rivalry may be the showpiece local fans are already circling on the calendar, but make no mistake, England remains the Springboks’ biggest test of the year.
Heading into the Six Nations, that kick of this weekend, Steve Borthwick’s side are unbeaten in 11 Tests, brimming with confidence and that unmistakable English cocktail of belief, bravado, and just enough self-doubt to make things interesting.
Rassie Erasmus has made it clear where the Boks’ focus lies. England is the priority. Everything else can wait.
The world champions welcome Borthwick’s in-form outfit in the opening round of the newly minted Nations Cup on July 4. While South Africa boasts the deepest squad in world rugby, there’s an uncomfortable truth hovering in the background: time waits for no Bok.
Some of the old guard may not make it to 2027, and nowhere is that reality more glaring than in the engine room.
*Article continues below…
Lock stocks: depth or dilemma?
Erasmus has been refreshingly honest about the second-row picture and spoke about it candidly last week when he faced reporters in Cape Town.
“We are a bit thin at lock,” he admitted, pointing to age profiles and mileage as growing concerns.
Eben Etzebeth (34), RG Snyman (31), Franco Mostert (35), and Jean Kleyn (32) are proven warriors, but might not be long-term solutions.
Lood de Jager’s hip injury has effectively ruled him out for the rest of the year, while Salmaan Moerat is sidelined for at least four months and racing the clock for July.
That leaves Erasmus staring down a familiar Rassie question: stick or twist?
He’s spoken warmly of Ruan Nortje (27), describing him as “settled” and in the right age bracket, while Moerat – despite the noise – remains a trusted operator.
“I know Salmaan gets criticised, but he has done the job for us,” Erasmus said. “He does things for us that help us play how we want to play.”
With the first Springbok alignment camp looming in the next month or so, who could expect a possible call from the Springbok selectors?
The lock contenders on the Bokometer radar:
JF van Heerden (20)
A genuine bolt-from-the-blue talent. Jake White has already labelled him a future “Galactico”, and it’s easy to see why. Raw, powerful, and fearless.
Reinhardt Ludwig (23)
Versatile, vocal, and already trusted with leadership at the Bulls. His lock-flank flexibility makes him an intriguing long-term option.
Ruben van Heerden (28)
One of the URC’s most industrious forwards. His Barbarians call-up against the Boks wasn’t a coincidence. Robbie Deans called him “a coach’s dream”.
JJ van der Mescht (26)
A 2-metre, 145kg enforcer plying his trade in Europe. The talent is undeniable. The question, as Erasmus put it: is there enough time to bring him into the Bok culture?
Jason Jenkins (30)
The ultimate Swiss Army knife. Can cover No.4, 5, 6, & 8, carries with intent, distributes in contact, and even threatens over the ball. At over 2m tall, he’s a rare breed.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
