Injuries test Springboks’ depth as selection dilemmas loom ahead of England clash

Despite a host of starters currently sidelined through injury, the way the Springboks are shaping up ahead of their opening Nations Championship clash against England on 4 July remains compelling.

On paper, head coach Rassie Erasmus can still pick a side capable of going toe-to-toe with anyone. However, given the list of absentees, Erasmus and his assistants will have a few key selection calls to make if the injury situation doesn’t ease over the next month.

The biggest talking point right now is the absence of players such as the versatile Pieter-Steph du Toit, enforcer-lock Eben Etzebeth, and RG Snyman. They bring experience and presence that simply isn’t easily replaced.

Du Toit, in particular, is the kind of player who lifts those around him with his relentless engine, while Etzebeth offers a level of physical authority few can match. Snyman, comfortable in either lock position, adds another dimension entirely. Without them, Erasmus may need to rethink the balance of his pack.

Ruan Nortjé and Cobus Wiese are more than capable, but it could see the Springboks lean slightly more towards mobility. Salmaan Moerat is also expected back ahead of the opening Test and could well come into contention. Lions utility forward Ruan Venter, a capped Bok, has been doing well in the No 4 jersey and he could be another strong option on that front.

That said, there’s still plenty to like about the forward pack Erasmus could put together.

Captain Siya Kolisi is back on the field and should lead the side, bringing his trademark calm. It also feels a given that Jasper Wiese will anchor the back of the scrum at No 8. The main question is who fills in for Du Toit, with Elrigh Louw and the hard-running, hard-hitting Venter both in the frame at blindside flanker.

Louw may see this as an opportunity to re-establish himself after a lengthy injury layoff and has been excellent for the Bulls since returning. Venter, meanwhile, is pushing strongly for a Bok recall and has been outstanding for the Lions.

Up front, Ox Nché and Thomas du Toit offer solidity at scrum time, while Malcolm Marx remains a constant threat at the breakdown. This pack may be missing a touch of its usual edge, but it certainly won’t lack bite if it lines up like this against England.

In the backs, things appear a bit more settled, despite injuries affecting depth at scrumhalf.

Faf de Klerk’s strong run of form makes him the obvious choice to step in, especially with Cobus Reinach and Grant Williams both dealing with injuries. De Klerk has been excellent for the Canon Eagles in Japan, although Morné van den Berg has also put his hand up with some impressive performances for the Lions in the URC.

Where it becomes particularly intriguing is at flyhalf, with a genuine three-way contest for the No 10 jersey. In many ways, the scrumhalf decision may hinge on who gets the nod at flyhalf.

Handré Pollard remains the safe option — his game management and reliable boot offer control and scoreboard pressure. Manie Libbok and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, however, bring creativity and unpredictability, capable of unlocking defences when matches tighten up.

It’s a call that could shape the Springboks’ entire approach. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the decision is based less on individual form and more on the tactical plan for England.

The Boks leaned towards a more attacking blueprint last season and have continued to evolve under attack coach Tony Brown. If they stick with that approach, Libbok or Feinberg-Mngomezulu may be better suited to the role. In that scenario, Pollard could find himself on the outside looking in — even from the bench.

Damian Willemse at fullback offers balance, while Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe remain among the most dangerous finishers in world rugby. The midfield pairing of Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende is well established, offering defensive solidity, direct running and the experience to close out tight contests.

Encouragingly for the Springboks, barring any further setbacks, they should be close to full strength by the time July arrives. The Japan-based players will have built up good match fitness, with their season concluding in May and finals in early June.

That sets things up nicely for the Barbarians clash on 20 June in Gqeberha — a valuable hit-out before the real business begins.

All things considered, this feels like a squad with both stability and a few lingering questions. And sometimes, that’s exactly the kind of space where a team can be at its most dangerous.

Potential Springbok XV (vs England): 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nché. Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Ruan Venter, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 André Esterhuizen, 22 Morné van den Berg, 23 Sacha Feinberg Mngomezulu.

Injured: Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, Salmaan Moerat, Lood de Jager, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker, Aphelele Fassi.