Split with Siya Masuku and Rassie Erasmus.
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus will continue exploring the depth in South Africa with reports suggesting he will be making some interesting selections in 2025.
Erasmus used a whopping 50 players in the 2024 season that saw the Springboks win 11 of 13 Tests, including a clean sweep for the November Tests up north.
During that time the veteran coach has used four fly-halves in Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok and Jordan Hendrikse, but reports suggest Erasmus will try another option in 2025.
Masuku time
Rapport, Sharks fly-half Siya Masuku could be given a run at 10 against Italy as Erasmus looks to give the playmaker a chance following his stunning run in the Durban side’s Challenge Cup title last season.
Masuku has been involved with the Boks set-up during the alignment camps but is yet to feature in the green and gold.
The same report claims that Erasmus will use the mid-year window to offer chances to players and then the Rugby Championship will be stronger selections as the Springboks look to defend their title.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu was one of the finds of the season, with his performances earning a nomination for World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year. It is believed that attack coach Tony Brown is particularly excited at the prospect of the young fly-half and Damian Willemse in the new structures. The latter of the two stars is currently sidelined with a groin issue.
Other stars on the radar
Some of the other players who Erasmus is expected to look at are Sharks utility star Ethan Hooker, Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden, as well as Lions duo Sanele Nohamba and Henco van Wyk.
Another position in the spotlight is the four lock with Erasmus still searching for an Eben Etzebeth replacement. Salmaan Moerat is meant to be filling the role but, after a string of injuries, the coach is expected to find other options.
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