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Although the Springboks are considered to have the strongest team depth in global rugby, head coach Rassie Erasmus still needs to address a few crucial positions before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Some veterans are growing older, and injuries to important players might make the world champions vulnerable. The latest Rugby Championship campaign revealed several issues that the Boks still need to address.

Here are five roles that require additional focus.

No 8

Jasper Wiese has become the preferred No 8 for the Springboks. He offers great physical strength, intensity, and a bold attitude when carrying the ball. Nevertheless, his record for penalties and his tough style of play mean that the team needs to quickly find a reliable alternative.

When he missed the beginning of the Rugby Championship, they noticed.At present, Evan Roos is the most talked-about alternative following Cameron Hanekom’s injury, bringing strong running ability and pace, though concerns still exist regarding his reliability at the highest level..

Young players such as Phepsi Buthelezi, Francke Horn, and Mpilo Gumede are also worth considering, but they will require substantial playing time with their teams in the URC.

Fullback

The No. 15 jersey is quickly turning into one of the biggest issues for the Springboks. As Willie le Roux approaches the end of his international career and only Damian Willemse remains fit and ready for Test matches, there’s a noticeable shortage of depth in that position.

Willemse is flexible and frequently used in different positions — particularly at inside centre. This creates a shortage in the backline for the Boks. Aphelele Fassi displayed moments of his talent this season, although injuries continue to be an issue. Quan Horn shows potential and offers the most similar left-footed alternative to Le Roux, but he has yet to prove himself at Test level in that role.

Identifying a new fullback capable of excelling in aerial challenges, safeguarding the defensive line, and contributing offensively should be a primary focus for Erasmus and his team of coaches.

Hooker

Under the leadership of Malcolm Marx in the Boks’ No 2 position, and with Bongi Mbonambi now 34, the Springboks’ depth at hooker — previously considered unshakable — is now being called into question. Mbonambi continues to be a high-level player, particularly in the scrum and maul, but he is approaching the end of his career.

Despite his exceptional talent, Marx has also faced his share of injuries. In addition, the prospects are encouraging but still developing. Joseph Dweba possesses the physical attributes but has had difficulty with accuracy during set-pieces. André-Hugo Venter, Marnus van der Merwe, and Johan Grobbelaar are being developed but have little experience on the international stage.

The flexible Jan-Hendrik Wessels is an unpredictable player with significant potential, but it’s still uncertain whether he will concentrate on his career as a hooker or a prop.

Loosehead Prop

The loosehead prop Ox Nché has quietly emerged as one of the most significant players within South Africa’s forward line-up. Thanks to his strong scrummaging skills and high energy on the field, he has become the main choice after Steven Kitshoff’s departure.

However, if Nché were to experience a long-term injury, the available choices would become increasingly restricted.The injured Ntuthuko Mchunu and Gerhard Steenekamp have displayed hints of their capability — similarly, Wessels and Boan Venter — yet they are still in the process of growth and need to follow a journey to achieve consistency on the global stage.

The Boks must not take risks with their front-row strength.

Securing a fourth or fifth loosehead capable of stabilizing the scrum is essential as attention turns to the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

Blindside Flanker

It will be challenging to find a replacement for Pieter-Steph du Toit once he is no longer around. He continues to be the clear-cut enforcer in the No 7 position — a relentless tackler, a reliable lineout option, a threat at the ruck, and someone who gains yardage with the ball in his hands, particularly when moving out wide.

However, at 33 years old and with a lengthy injury record, South Africa needs to begin planning for life after the tough player. The choices are not as clear-cut. Vincent Tshituka, Ben-Jason Dixon, and Ruan Venter have all demonstrated potential at the club level and could be developed into genuine blindside flankers, but they require more steady performances at the highest level.

The Springboks require a player capable of delivering the same level of effort and intensity that Du Toit provides. While it’s a challenging demand, it’s essential for maintaining long-term consistency.