With a packed 2025 Test season ahead, Rassie Erasmus could turn to United Rugby Championship (URC) standouts for the upcoming mid-year Tests against Italy and Georgia. While some overseas-based Springboks will be involved, this presents an opportunity for local talent to shine as Erasmus builds squad depth.
Erasmus’ Plans for the 2025 Test Season
The Springboks’ first camp of the year is underway in Cape Town, with 56 locally-based players in attendance. The team is set to play 15 Tests in 2025, including a festival match against the Barbarians.
They begin their campaign against the Baabaas, followed by two home Tests against Italy. The third match, against Georgia, is expected to serve as an experimental fixture, similar to the Boks’ Portugal Test in 2024.
Erasmus could use the URC as a selection guide, identifying players ready to step into Test rugby.
Forwards Making a Strong Case
The Bulls’ front row of Wilco Louw, Johan Grobbelaar, and Gerhard Steenekamp has been dominant, showing power and control in the scrums. Even when Jan-Hendrik Wessels stepped in, the Bulls continued to dominate.
At hooker, Joseph Dweba (Stormers) has been outstanding, but the position remains highly competitive. Dweba, Grobbelaar, Wessels, Akker van der Merwe, Bongi Mbonambi, and Andre-Hugo Venter are all in the mix, while Ethan Bester is also part of his first Springbok camp.
The lock and loose forward departments are well-stocked with young talent. Players like Cameron Hanekom (Bulls) and Evan Roos (Stormers) have impressed, while Bok captain Salmaan Moerat and Ruan Nortje provide experience. Nortje is currently recovering from injury but is expected to be available for the international season.
Building a Moerat-Nortje lock pairing could be crucial as the Springboks shape their squad for the years ahead.
Backline Talent in the Spotlight
Several URC backs have delivered standout performances this season, giving Erasmus plenty of options for the upcoming Tests.
- Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker, Jurenzo Julius (Sharks)
- Edwill van der Merwe, Quan Horn, Henco van Wyk (Lions)
- Canan Moodie (Bulls), Suleiman Hartzenberg (Stormers)
The backline is where Erasmus may experiment most, testing different combinations to build depth. Fans will be eager to see Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu feature at flyhalf, while Quan Horn continues to impress at fullback.
Hendrikse has also stepped up for the Sharks, showing versatility to play both flyhalf (10) and fullback (15), much like Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Edwill van der Merwe, a standout in the URC, has been terrorizing defenses, particularly against South African opposition. He will be eager to earn another Springbok cap and prove himself at Test level.
With plenty of Test matches ahead, Erasmus has ample opportunity to test his backline depth.
Potential URC-Based Springbok XV
Based on the players in the Springbok alignment camp, an URC-based Bok XV could look like this:
15. Quan Horn (Lions)
14. Suleiman Hartzenberg (Stormers)
13. Henco van Wyk (Lions)
12. Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
11. Edwill van der Merwe (Lions)
10. Jordan Hendrikse (Sharks)
9. Grant Williams (Sharks)
8. Cameron Hanekom (Bulls)
7. Ben-Jason Dixon (Stormers)
6. Marco van Staden (Bulls)
5. Ruan Nortje (Bulls)
4. Salmaan Moerat (Stormers)
3. Wilco Louw (Bulls)
2. Joseph Dweba (Stormers)
1. Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls)
With exciting young talent coming through, the Italy and Georgia Tests will offer Rassie Erasmus the perfect chance to test his next generation of Springboks.
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Rassie Erasmus Confirms Siya Kolisi’s Springbok Captaincy Amid Leadership Debate