RASSIE'S RADAR | The fetcher debate: Who will inherit Siya Kolisi’s No 6 jersey?

Traditionally, the Springboks have relied on their versatile loose-forwards to cover the No 6 jersey, with less emphasis on selecting specialist fetchers to strengthen the squad. However, it might be time for Rassie Erasmus to consider that approach ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

In the United Rugby Championship, a handful of ball poachers have been delivering strong performances for their franchises, knocking on the Bok door. With the position currently belonging to captain Siya Kolisi, it’s time to start looking beyond the 2027 tournament heading into the next 13 international matches.

We take a look at the flankers who have put their hands up for that spot.

Paul de Villiers | Stormers

Arguably the top No 6 flank in the country at the moment. De Villiers stepped out of the shadow of World Cup winner Deon Fourie in Cape Town and has made the fetcher jersey his own. It’s not just his breakdown skills that have impressed; his physicality has also improved tremendously since becoming a regular starter.

Renzo du Plessis | Lions

While he has been sharing the No 6 jersey at the Lions, the physicality and breakdown work of the 22-year-old have shown that he could be the future in that position.

His tireless work on and off the ball is a massive asset, and it’s no surprise he received a Bok alignment camp invite last year. The next few games will be critical for him to maintain that form and stay in the Bok conversation.

Marco van Staden | Bulls

His versatility counts in his favour as a loose forward, and with a couple of Bulls teammates injured, he has taken the fight to his opponents.

Van Staden’s ability to play at No 6, eighthman and even hooker works strongly in his favour. It has been a saving grace for the Bulls as they look to turn their season around.

Siya Kolisi | Sharks

That No 6 jersey won’t change hands any time soon as long as the Springboks captain continues playing the way he is.

Kolisi made a meaningful impact against the Stormers recently, and his current form suggests he’ll be around for a while yet. However, his appearances might be carefully managed this season, with limited involvement as the Boks look to preserve him to lead the side at the World Cup.

Kwagga Smith | Shizuoka Blue Revs

The Springboks’ original hybrid player is still producing performances that keep him in contention for the starting jersey.

This could be the season where Smith earns more time in the run-on team to prepare for any eventuality. He’s playing superbly in Japan and will be eager to translate that form into the Nations Championship when he rejoins the Springboks.

* Leighton Koopman is Independent Media's senior rugby reporter and host of the Last World on Rugby podcast on our YouTube channel The Clutch