Springboks: Prop pecking order heading into 2027 RWC

Yesterday at 06:13 AM

Springboks rugby is at an all-time high. So is the depth of SA Rugby as a whole.

The Springboks boast the most dominant scrum in word rugby. Meaning, they have the most powerful front-row (or front rows) too.

Heading into mission three-peat under Rassie Erasmus, we take a look at the big boys at the leading the pack at the front of the Bok scrum.

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FIRST-CHOICE FAVOURITES UNDER RASSIE ERASMUS

As things stand, Ox Nche and Frans Malherbe are the favourites to start.

Steven Kitshoff was the first-choice starting prop during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. However, Ox Nche changed the fate of SA Rugby when he came into the pitch during the intense and grueling RWC semi-final against England. When he came onto the pitch the Boks were 15-6 down and they had a scrum 15m from their try line. Then up stepped Ox to show the world why he has that name – saving a nation while destroying another as he demolished the English scrum.

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First, he helped win a massive penalty to keep the Boks in the game. Thereafter, he won a penalty with five minutes to go to get the Boks some much-needed territory in the English 22 (after the resulting penalty kick to touch). Which resulted in RG Snymans crucial try to bring the Boks back into the match with less than five minutes to play. Finally, he won a decisive scrum penalty omn the half way line which resulted in Pollards decisive match-winning kick to send the Boks into the RWC final.

Since then, he has been excellent for the Boks in big games in the Rugby Championship and in Kitshoff’s absence he has made the number one jersey his own. Unfortunately, Kitshoff is unlikely to return to the green and gold following neck fusion surgery.

"I still have the passion and drive. If it's not meant to be, I'll make peace with it, but I haven't thought beyond next month," Kitshoff stated on SARugbyMag.

However, Kitshoff has not made a decision at the time of publication.

Moreover, veteran Malherbe is the established Bok number 3 – hands down. However, he will be 36 come the 2027 RWC. Meaning, it will come down to his fitness and form over the next few years.

TITANIC BATTLE FOR BOKS BOMB SQUAD SPOTS

Meanwhile, there is a titanic battle for the coveted bomb squad spots.

Vincent Koch, Thomas du Toit, Gerhard Steenakamp and Wilco Louw have all stepped up with authority, dominance when called upon by Rassie and the Springboks.

As things stand, Koch and Steenakamp are the favourites to sit on the coveted bomb squad bench. However, they face stiff competition from Louw and Du Toit. Louw put in some big performances during the Springboks end of year tour. This, after returning to the Boks setup for the first time in three years. Meanwhile, Du Toit always steps up when called upon, as he has throughout his Bok career.

WHO SHOULD BE THE STARTING PROPS FOR THE SPRINGBOKS IN THE 2027 RUGBY WORLD CUP? WHICH TWO PROPS WOULD YOU CHOOSE ON THE COVETED BOMB SQUAD BENCH?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1

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