Mission 2027: Springbok rugby's new faces

OPINION: Battle-hardened by the Rugby Championship, will Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus persist with the current crop of stars as they embark on their end-of-year tour, or are there areas of concern that need to be addressed?

South Africa ended last year with an unbeaten UK tour in November, defeating Scotland, England, and Wales. However, they face a significantly tougher trip this time around.

While the tour will be another opportunity for Erasmus and his charges to reaffirm their No.1 ranking, it might also be a chance for new faces to step up.

Following their November 1 fixture against Japan in London, they are up against the French in Paris.

The last game between these two teams ended in a bad-blood one-point winner for the Boks in the World Cup quarterfinal in 2023. The French were fuming, and it caused their star scrumhalf, Antoine Dupont, to lash out after the game at the officiating.

This return match is sure to be tinged with calls for revenge in the French media and is likely to be highly charged.

Ireland and Wales are always niggly, while Italy has improved by leaps and bounds, and on a good day, they can give any team a run for their money.

The Springboks arguably have the best squad depth in the world, but let’s face it, some of their stalwarts are getting on in age and might not make it to the 2027 World Cup.

With the December draw for the 2027 World Cup looming in December, chances are the Bok boss won’t have the luxury of resting his senior players. That means he will pick his best players.

The reality is that this tour might not be the opportune time to experiment and bring in new blood, but injuries happen on long and tough tours, and eventually the net needs to be spread wider.

We take a look at certain positions that have created some issues for Erasmus this season, especially in light of the long list of injuries to players like Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, Aphelele Fassi, Lukhanyo Am, Jean-Luc du Preez, Gerhard Steenekamp, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and the latest casualty, Deon Fourie.

We decided to throw some names out there that aren’t all currently on the radar and deserve at least a second thought. Let us know what you think and who you would add to the list.

No.8

Jasper Wiese has made the jersey his own, but other than him, there aren’t a lot of candidates. Bok captain Siya Kolisi donned the No.8 jumper against the All Blacks at Eden Park in the Rugby Championship in September, but Erasmus has reiterated that he prefers Kolisi at No.6.

Contenders:

Juarno Augustus: The 28-year-old was called up to Erasmus’ second alignment camp in May 2025 but is yet to earn a Test cap for his country. The World Junior Player of the Year in 2017 recently joined Ulster after four years with Northampton Saints. ‘Trokkie’, as he is affectionately called, has added the necessary extra bows to his game over the last few seasons and has become a well-rounded player.

Evan Roos: He has been in and out of the bigger Springbok squad, and there are always rumours swirling about his relationship with Erasmus, but Roos continuously performs when he is in a Stormers jersey.

Fullback

Fassi is injured, and Willie le Roux has played his 100th Test match and is unlikely to feature for the Springboks again. Damian Willemse has moved between playing centre, flyhalf, and fullback for the Springboks, but a solid No. 15 is needed.

Contenders:

Quan Horn: He has all the skills to step into that position, but while he is with the embattled Lions, he will struggle to show what he can offer, and his lack of experience at Test level is a problem. He capped his only appearance for South Africa with a try against Portugal. He is calm under pressure and reads the game well.

Tyrone Green: The Harlequins fullback scored a crucial try just after half-time in his side’s 20-14 win over Saracens in London over the weekend and has been electrifying since moving abroad. Since joining Harlequins from the Lions in 2020, Green has been one of the Premiership’s most consistently lethal attacking players.

Rhyno Smith: The Benetton playmaker is a prolific try-and-point scorer who helped sink the Lions over the weekend. He is accomplished in the air, punts without fuss, kicks accurately for poles, and joins the line with deadly dynamism.

Centre

South Africa is blessed with really talented centres, but will Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Andre Esterhuizen, and Lukhanyo Am make it to 2027?

Contenders:

Henco van Wyk: It is said he is the Springbok in waiting. Van Wyk is one of the most promising youngsters in the country, but in recent years has been stunted by regular injuries, which led to him missing out on making his debut for the Springboks in 2024. He was set to put on the green and gold for the first time during the June and July internationals, after he was included in the Bok alignment camps earlier in the year, while coach Rassie Erasmus also admitted his admiration of the up-and-coming talent.

David Kriel: The Bulls centre is comfortable at No.12 or 13 and has been an unsung hero in his position who doesn’t always get the praise he deserves.

Benhard Janse van Rensburg: The dynamic centre has been tearing up the Premiership and was tipped to make an immediate jump into the England squad after being a standout performer in the league for the Bristol Bears.

Flanker

Replacing possibly the best player in the world is a tough task, and yes, Pieter-Steph du Toit is 33, but he is like a steam engine that never stops working. The question is how long he can still go at the highest level.

Contenders:

Vincent Tshituka: He moved from the Lions to the Sharks, where he is now captaining the side, and his efforts have earned him Springbok colours. The flanker showed plenty of promise in his Springbok debut and will be hungry for more international opportunities. Quite possibly the closest replacement for Du Toit, and his game will only benefit from more exposure at the top level.

Ruan Venter: The one-Test-cap Venter can do the job for the Boks, but he has shown he has discipline issues when playing for the Lions; he has the skill set to be a top-quality flanker.

Hanro Liebenberg: The backrower, often called Mr Reliable, has been a mainstay in the Leicester Tigers side since 2019. He is capable of playing across the back row, as well as covering lock.

Jacques Vermeulen: The utility loose forward is known for his unparalleled, unrelenting physicality and work-rate. He is a real enforcer, and his ability to repeat physical actions is second to none. After six years with Exeter, he recently joined the Sale Sharks on a two-year deal.

*Other strong contenders we would like to see in the mix in the coming months include Jurenzo Julius, Haashim Pead, Cheswill Jooste, and Bathobele Hlekani.