Test time running out for these Springboks?
12/03/2024 02:58 AM
During the course of the Springboks’ 2024 Test season, Rassie Erasmus made it clear that one of the main priorities for the team was to share game-time and expand the squad depth.
Erasmus actually said at the start of the season that one his concerns had been how the players would "accept that we're not 25 players, but 50-plus".
"I didn't know if the senior guys would understand they would probably make their careers longer if they don't play every single Test match every week and give the younger guys a chance.
"We actually said, 'Those who don't want to buy into this, unfortunately you can't be part of the group'."
Although part of this plan clearly intends to extend the career of some key players, it is evident that some stalwarts are unlikely to have enough longevity to reach the next World Cup in 2027.
When taking a closer look, it’s revealing that 35-year-old Trevor Nyakane featured in just one Test this year – coming off the bench against Portugal – and unfortunately we may have actually seen the last of the affable prop in the green and gold.
The emergence of Gerhard Steenekamp and Jan-Hendrik Wessels, as well as the improved form of Thomas du Toit, has meant the Springboks certainly have plenty of depth at prop as they plot out the path to the next World Cup.
Before the 2025 Test season rolls around, another World Cup winner in Cobus Reinach will also be 35-years-old, and although he continues to perform at a consistent level, one does have to wonder how much longer he will remain prominently in the Springbok mix.
The same could also be said of Willie le Roux, with the 35-year-old now just two Tests away from his 100-cap milestone.
The 35-year-old should celebrate becoming a Springbok centurion in July next year, but with Aphelele Fassi have enjoyed a breakthrough year, and Damian Willemse still due to come back into the reckoning, it’s likely that Le Roux is now heading into the final stages of his Test career.
Of course, there is also a major concern that 32-year-old Steven Kitshoff may not be able to return to rugby after recently undergoing neck surgery, and if he were forced into early retirement it would be a major blow for the Springboks.
HERE ARE ALL THE PLAYERS THAT THE SPRINGBOKS USED IN 2024
Props (9): Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit, Gerhard Steenekamp, Frans Malherbe, Vincent Koch, Wilco Louw, Ntuthukho Mchunu, Trevor Nyakane, Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Hookers (4): Bongi Mbonambi, Malcolm Marx, Johan Grobbelaar, Andre-Hugo Venter.
Locks (5): Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, Franco Mostert, Ruan Nortje, Salmaan Moerat.
Loose forwards (11): Jasper Wiese, Kwagga Smith, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Elrigh Louw, Marco van Staden, Ben-Jason Dixon, Phepsi Buthelezi, Evan Roos, Ruan Venter, Cameron Hanekom.
Scrumhalves (5): Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Morne van den Berg.
Flyhalves (4): Handre Pollard, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok, Jordan Hendrikse.
Centres (4): Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen.
Wingers (5): Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Edwill van der Merwe.
Fullbacks (3): Willie le Roux, Aphelele Fassi, Quan Horn.
WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR MAIN TAKEAWAYS FROM THE 2024 TEST SEASON?
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