It appears that Rassie Erasmus is slowly but surely phasing out some Springboks veterans as they enter the latter stages of their respective illustrious careers.
It has become clear that Rassie has started to usher in some new young blood. With some Bok veterans starting to feature less and young in-form talent being utilised more in their respective positions.
So, let’s take a look at the SIX Springboks who could be phased out next.
SIX SPRINGBOKS SEEMINGLY BEING ‘PHASED OUT’
Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi, Lood de Jager, Faf de Klerk, Makazole Mapimpi and Willie Le Roux are all entering the latter stages of their Springboks careers.
Despite being fit, Koch, de Klerk, Mapimpi and Le Roux have all been overlooked throughout the season.
‘OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW’
Erasmus has instead opted for more youthful options who are in form at the moment. In the front row, he has utilised Thomas du Toit and Wilco Louw with Jan-Hendrik Wessels providing cover at prop and hooker on the bench. He has even called up new faces in the front-row such as Boan Venter and young Stormers prob, Zachary Porthen.
Meanwhile, De Jager has missed most of the last two seasons with injury. In his absence, Ruan Nortje has stood up and fired at number 5.
De Jager will be turning 35 during the year of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Meaning, Erasmus is focused on preparing the new era of Bok locks with Nortje set to be at the forefront of his plans.
Furthermore, front-rower Mbonambi has also struggled for playing time. When he was available, Erasmus handed a few surprising caps to Boan Venter. Then, the powerful Springbok hooker faced some personal issues and has yet again been left out of the Bok squad set to take on Japan, France, Italy, Ireland and Wales in the End-of-Year series.
BOK VETERANS FALL DOWN THE PECKING ORDER
Meanwhile, despite being fit, Faf de Klerk has not featured in any of the Springboks test this season.
Cobus Reinach and Grant Williams are the in-form srcumhalves in the country at the moment. Meanwhile, Morne van den Berg has provided cover and is seemingly for both men. Jaden Hendrikse also lies in wait at the Sharks. Meaning, De Klerk, at 34, is unlikely to feature for the Boks in the 2027 Rugby World Cup as he will be 36 and is currently fourth or fifth choice at best.
Similarly, Springboks veterans Mapimpi and Le Roux have fallen out of favour with Rassie. Despite being fit and available, Mapimpi did not make any of the match-day squads during the Rugby Championship.
Kurt-Lee Arendse is heading the way and talented youngsters Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe have stacked their claim too with some big performances this year. Meanwhile, Mapimpi recently copped a five-match suspension for his actions in the United Rugby Championship.
Finally, Le Roux became the eighth Springbok centurian when he played his 100th match for the Springboks against Italy. However, it has been downhill from there for the Bulls and Boks great.
He had a poor performance during the Boks 24-17 loss against New Zealand in Auckland before being dropped from the squad. A look at current proceedings makes for grim reading if you’re Willie. Despite Fassi being sidelined and Willemse being unavailable, Erasmus has opted against calling Le Roux up to the squad. Therefore, this is a clear indication that he is being phased out.
