BOKOMETER: The No.8 question Rassie can’t ignore
BOKOMETER: As Rassie Erasmus maps out the next phase of the Springboks’ evolution, the Bokometer turns its gaze to the agile and robust No.8.
The glamour fixture on the horizon may be The Greatest Rivalry, but England – unbeaten in 11 Tests and surging into the Six Nations with renewed belief – looms as South Africa’s most immediate measuring stick.
Erasmus has already underlined the point. England first. Everything else later.
When the world champions host Steve Borthwick’s men in the opening round of the Nations Cup on July 4, depth will be tested as much as pedigree.
South Africa may boast the deepest talent pool in the game, but the march to 2027 is relentless. Not every stalwart will make the next World Cup cycle, and in the engine room, succession planning is no longer theoretical.
Jasper Wiese has nailed down the No.8 jersey with authority. Six starts from seven Tests last year underline the coaches’ faith in his durability and edge. He is trusted, battle-hardened, and unflinching. Beyond him, though, the picture blurs.
The incumbent Bok No.8, who now plays his domestic rugby in Japan after gaining a reputation as a back-row juggernaut with Leicester Tigers in Europe, gets a 10 out of 10 for durability on any given day, and he has played enough tests to validate supporters’ trust.
Captain Siya Kolisi has worn the Springbok No.8 jersey before and thrived for the Sharks in the role, offering mobility and subtle distribution from the base. Yet Erasmus prefers his captain at six, where his breakdown presence and leadership are maximised.
The Bulls’ Cameron Hanekom is still out due to a knee injury, with coach Johan Ackermann recently admitting his return is also being managed carefully after a lengthy layoff.
However, there is hope that he is currently in the final stages of a lengthy rehabilitation process.
Then come the challengers.
Evan Roos continues to thunder through United Rugby Championship defences for the Stormers, his contract extension a sign of faith in his trajectory. Yet for all his domestic form, the Springbok door has remained only slightly ajar.
Elrigh Louw suffered torn ligaments in his left knee and a fractured leg during the Bulls’ United Rugby Championship win over the Lions in January 2025.
Initially feared to be career-ending, the injury required surgery, which proved successful, and the 13-cap Springbok has since completed his return to the field, and his return to the Green and Gold will not be questioned.
Jean-Luc du Preez has consistently been on the periphery of the Springboks squad during Erasmus’s time in charge, but, with them lacking options at number eight, he was given an opportunity against the Wallabies at the start of the Rugby Championship.
Illness forced him to withdraw late, but another opportunity presented itself when they took on the All Blacks. However, the aforementioned knee injury ruled him out of the Eden Park clash and the start of the northern hemisphere campaign. Fourteen caps tell a story of almost.
Francke Horn’s consistency for the Lions keeps his name in alignment conversations. The Lions captain has strong Springbok aspirations and should be in contention for the alignment camps.
And Juarno Augustus, now plying his trade with Ulster, offers raw carrying power and clear ambition to force his way into the Bok conversation once fully fit from his ankle injury.
His move to the URC indicated his desire to play for the Springboks and possibly boost his chances with national selectors.
The powerful ball-carrier is expected to return in early 2026 to continue his campaign with Ulster.
For now, Wiese stands firm.
But as Erasmus plots for England and beyond, the Bokometer suggests this is one position where certainty could quickly give way to competition.
The next great No.8 may already be in the system; he just needs the opening.
