Springboks' future: Addressing depth concerns vital ahead of 2027 Rugby World Cup

While the Springboks arguably have the best squad depth in world rugby, head coach Rassie Erasmus still has a few key positions to strengthen ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Some veterans are getting older, and injuries to key players could leave the world champions exposed. The recent Rugby Championship campaign highlighted several areas where the Boks still have unanswered questions.

Here are five positions that need extra attention.

No 8

Jasper Wiese has taken over the mantle as the Springboks' first-choice No 8. He brings immense physicality, aggression, and a fearless approach with the ball in hand. However, his disciplinary record and punishing playing style mean the Boks need to develop a strong backup option — and fast.

When he was absent from the start of the Rugby Championship, they felt it. Currently, Evan Roos is the most discussed alternative due to Cameron Hanekom's injury, offering ball-carrying physicality and speed, although questions remain about his consistency at the top level.

Young talents like Phepsi Buthelezi, Francke Horn, and Mpilo Gumede also deserve a look-in, but they’ll need meaningful minutes for their franchises in the URC.

Fullback

The No 15 jersey is fast becoming one of the most pressing concerns for the Springboks. With Willie le Roux nearing the end of his international career and only Damian Willemse currently fit and Test-ready, there’s a clear lack of depth at 15.

Willemse is versatile and often deployed elsewhere — especially at inside centre. That leaves the Boks thin at the back. Aphelele Fassi showed glimpses of his class this season, but injuries remain a concern. Quan Horn offers promise and provides the closest thing to a left-footed, like-for-like replacement for Le Roux, but he remains untested at Test level in that position.

Finding another fullback who can handle the aerial game, protect the backfield, and add an attacking dimension must be a top priority for Erasmus and his coaching staff.

Hooker

With Malcolm Marx spearheading the Boks’ No 2 jersey, and Bongi Mbonambi now 34, the Springboks’ strength at hooker — once seen as bulletproof — is suddenly in question. Mbonambi remains a top performer, especially in the scrum and maul, but he is entering the twilight of his career.

Marx, for all his world-class ability, has also had his fair share of injuries. Beyond them, the options are promising but raw. Joseph Dweba has the physical tools but has struggled with accuracy at the set-piece. André-Hugo Venter, Marnus van der Merwe, and Johan Grobbelaar are being groomed but have limited international experience.

The versatile Jan-Hendrik Wessels is a wildcard with huge upside, but it remains unclear whether he will focus his career at hooker or prop.

Loosehead Prop

Loosehead prop Ox Nché has quietly become one of the most valuable players in South Africa’s forward pack. With his immense scrummaging ability and work rate around the park, he has taken over as the primary option following Steven Kitshoff’s retirement.

However, if Nché were to suffer a long-term injury, the options would become worryingly limited. The injured Ntuthuko Mchunu and Gerhard Steenekamp have shown glimpses of their potential — so too Wessels and Boan Venter — but they are still developing and must walk a path to become consistent at international level.

The Boks cannot afford to gamble with front-row depth.

Developing a fourth or fifth loosehead who can anchor the scrum is non-negotiable looking ahead to the next Rugby World Cup.

Blindside Flanker

Pieter-Steph du Toit will be difficult to replace the day he is no longer there. He remains the undisputed enforcer in the No 7 jersey — a tireless tackler, a proven lineout option, a menace at the breakdown, and someone who makes metres with the ball under his arm, especially out wide.

But at 33, and with a long injury history, South Africa must start preparing for life beyond the bruiser. The options are less obvious. Vincent Tshituka, Ben-Jason Dixon, and Ruan Venter have all shown sparks at franchise level and could be moulded into true blindside specialists, but they need more consistent performances at the top.

The Springboks will need someone who can bring the same work rate and physicality that Du Toit does. It’s not an easy ask, but a necessary one for long-term stability.