The Springboks were exceptional against the All Blacks in New Zealand. However, some top stars are not in form at the moment.
The Springboks put in arguably the best performance in their history when they handed the All Blacks the biggest defeat in their history.
However, it has been a bumpy ride for some experienced Boks this season. Let’s take a look at the players who need to be dropped for a wake-up call or, at the very least, they need to find form to play their way back into the Springboks starting side.
BOK VETERANS OUT OF FORM
Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Eben Etzebeth have been far from their best this season.
Le Roux was below par during the Springboks’ 24-17 loss against the All Blacks in Eden Park. Furthermore, while he brings heaps of experience at the back, there is no doubt that Damian Willemse and Aphelele Fassi are both in better form.
Willemse should start moving forward after his exceptional Man of the Match performance during the Boks comprehensive 43-10 triumph over New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Pollard and Etzebeth were both rested during this match. Pollard has been solid but not exceptional. Whilst Etzebeth has been far from his best for the Boks in 2025.
IN-FORM STARS DESERVE TO START
These Springboks deserve to start moving forward.
Don’t get me wrong, both players are key to the Springboks’ future success. None of them should be axed. However, they have not been at their best during the 2025 Test season.
RG Snyman and Manie Libbok were exceptional during the Springboks’ sublime performance in NZ.
The Viking is in top form, and in my opinion, he deserves to start alongside Libbok after their performances off the bench in Wellington. Furthermore, Rassie Erasmus resting Etzebeth and Pollard will likely ignite a return to form for both Bok veterans.
SHOULD WILLIE LE ROUX BE IN THE SELECTION PICTURE FOR THE SPRINGBOKS 2027 RUGBY WORLD CUP? WHO SHOULD START AT 10, AND SHOULD RG SNYMAN START OR REMAIN IN THE BOMB SQUAD?
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