Why Kwagga Smith’s injury could benefit the Springboks long-term

Despite another setback to his loose forward stocks, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will have plenty of replacements to choose from following a season-ending knee injury to Bomb Squad specialist Kwagga Smith during the Japanese rugby season.

While the importance of Smith’s contribution to the Boks cannot be overstated, his injury opens the door for the world champions to potentially expose more loose forwards to international rugby this season. It could prove to be a blessing in disguise ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

We look at five players who could fill Smith’s boots.

Evan Roos (Stormers)

He’s had a strong season for the Cape side and is pushing hard for another look-in with the national team. While he is primarily a No 8, Smith’s versatility meant he served as the backup to Jasper Wiese in the starting side.

Roos has improved his carries and work rate off the ball, while he possesses similar poaching skills to Smith at the breakdown. The Stormers bruiser still has a few areas of his game to sharpen up, and more minutes at Test level could help him do just that.

Emmanuel Tshituka (Sharks)

There were concerns when the younger Tshituka brother followed his older sibling, Vincent, to the Sharks, particularly over whether he would see enough game time. Through a run of injuries, however, Manu, as he is known, made a strong case for Bok selection with a series of excellent performances for the Durbanites this season.

The move to the coast has proven a good one, and he has developed his game tremendously. His elusive carries and tireless work on attack and defence are reminiscent of Smith’s abilities. His invitation to the latest Springbok alignment camp also shows he is firmly on Erasmus’s radar.

Siba Mahase (Lions)

He could potentially be the Springbok bolter this year after an outstanding URC season since the Lions unleashed him. While he does not play the traditional fetching role in the No 6 jersey, his carries, defence and work rate with ball in hand make him an intriguing prospect for the Boks.

Mahase also has a willingness to learn and, if given an opportunity, there is little doubt he could fill Smith’s shoes. It may still be slightly early for the youngster, but he is already being likened to a young Siya Kolisi and has shown all the qualities needed to become a top prospect.

Cameron Hanekom (Bulls)

Another No 8 who can operate on the side of the scrum in a fetching role, Hanekom will be eager to add to his lone Test cap. It has been almost two years since he last pulled on the Bok jersey, and his form for the Bulls suggests he is determined to earn another opportunity.

Hanekom could well be the best fit for a Bomb Squad role out of all the players mentioned. He is explosive, capable of shifting between positions, boasts a tireless engine and, when needed, can attack the ball like a specialist fetcher.

Paul de Villiers (Stormers)

Of all the uncapped candidates, De Villiers has arguably put his hand up the strongest with his performances for the Stormers this season. An out-and-out fetcher, his prowess at the breakdown makes him an ideal candidate for the No 6 jersey.

However, how he would fit into a Bomb Squad replacement bench remains to be seen. He has done so for his club on a few occasions in the URC and did not disappoint. But De Villiers’ impact tends to be greater when he starts a match from the first whistle rather than coming off the bench to provide impact.