As the Springboks build towards the 2027 World Cup, it is inevitable that some senior players have begun to make way – to varying degrees – for a younger crop of players.
The Springbok coaches are fully aware that there is a need for an injection of youth to be balanced alongside some seniors, and naturally this has had a big effect on some more than others.
Here we take a look at six Springboks who have begun to slip out of the spotlight.
Six Springboks who have lost some ground
Lukhanyo Am
Once the rock of the Springbok midfield, Am has battled with form and fitness in recent times. It also comes at a time when Jesse Kriel has become one of the Springboks’ most consistent performers, while Canan Moodie has recently impressed when being moved closer to the action at 13. Am is still only 31-years-old, and so he shouldn’t be written off just yet.
Vincent Koch
The double World Cup winner has been in the Springbok camp throughout the season, but has only featured as a substitute on two occasions. With the emergence of Thomas du Toit and Wilco Louw, Koch – who turns 36-years-old in March – has understandably seen a significant role change this season.
Faf de Klerk
De Klerk has battled with an injury issue this year, but while he has been on the sidelines, Cobus Reinach has turned black the clock with some impressive performances despite being a relative veteran at the 35-years-old, while Morne van den Berg and Grant Williams have really laid down a marker.
Makazole Mapimpi
It’s no secret that the 35-year-old is unlikely to be in the mix for the next World Cup, and naturally there has been a case of handing over the baton to someone like young Ethan Hooker, as well as Edwill van der Merwe, who has impressed whenever fit. It also can’t be forgotten that Kurt-Lee Arendse will soon be back from injury.
Bongi Mbonambi
As some senior players have also begun to battle a bit with form, Mbonambi has at times looked like a shadow of his former self. Mbonambi will soon turn 35, and while he shouldn’t be ruled out of the mix in the build up to the World Cup, the likes of Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Marnus van der Merwe have really impressed as back up options to Malcolm Marx.
Willie le Roux
Le Roux deservedly reached 100 caps for the Springboks earlier this season, but the 36-year-old was recently released from the squad and has returned to the Bulls. It does seem like he is approaching the end of the road at Test level, particularly with Aphelele Fassi, Damian Willemse and even Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu offering options at fullback.
