Ruan Venter of the Lions is pushing hard for a Springboks recall and his versatility will give the Bok coaches some food for thought ahead of the 2026 Test season. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
The race for Springbok jerseys is beginning to take shape as the United Rugby Championship (URC) edges towards the business end, with several standout performers forcing their way onto head coach Rassie Erasmus’ radar.
Across the four SA franchises, a mix of established World Cup winners and exciting, emerging talent are making compelling cases for inclusion for a blockbuster 2026 international season that includes the Nations Championship and Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
With injuries already testing depth in key positions, opportunities are opening up — and several players will look to grab them with both hands. Here, we take a look at who has put their hand up.
On Rassie’s radar
Props: Gerhard Steenekamp, Wilco Louw, Jan-Hendrik WesselsHooker, Johan Grobbelaar
Locks: Cobus Wiese, Ruan Vermaak, Ruan Nortje
Loose forwards: Elrigh Louw, Marco van Staden, Cameron Hanekom
Scrumhalf: Embrose Papier
Flyhalf: Handré Pollard
Outbacks: Canan Moodie, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheswill Jooste
To Pollard or not to Pollard? That will be on Erasmus’ mind. There is no doubt that the flyhalf has a place in the Bok setup — he showed against the Scarlets this past weekend that he still has ice in his veins — but whether that is as a starter or third-choice No 10 remains to be seen.
The Boks’ lock stocks will be severely tested this season with several seasoned campaigners injured. The importance of Nortje cannot be overstated.
The Bulls’ scrum. meanwhile, is the URC’s second-best set-piece — only the Sharks have been better — and that is no surprise with the likes of Steenekamp, Louw, Wessels and Grobbelaar powering the front rows. Combined with what the Lions, Sharks and Stormers have to offer, there is no doubt that this department will be rock-solid come the Tests against England, Scotland and Wales.
Erasmus has some big choices to make amongst his loosies, but Louw’s performances have been noteworthy enough for strong consideration in July and beyond.
On Rassie’s radar
Prop: Asenathi Ntlabakanye
Utility forward: Ruan Venter
Loose forwards: Siba Mahashe, Francke Horn
Scrumhalf: Morné van den Berg
Flyhalf: Chris Smith
Centre: Henco van Wyk
Fullback: Quan Horn
Three Lions players will surely be heavily involved this season in the Bok setup: Venter, Van den Berg and Quan Horn. The latter received widespread praise for his Player of the Match performance in the Lions’ 33–17 victory over Connacht this past weekend, showcasing a varied brand of attacking and tactical rugby in the No 15 jersey.
‘Krappie’ and Venter, meanwhile, could benefit from the injuries that have rocked the lock and scrumhalf stocks this season, but that does not mean they do not deserve their call-ups.
Venter has been outstanding on the flank for the Lions and is adding much-needed versatility at lock to his game. His work-rate on attack and defence has been relentless. Van den Berg is arguably the form South African No 9 at present.
There is plenty of excitement around centre Van Wyk, and the feeling is that it is only a matter of time before the outside-centre gets a call-up. He, too, has enjoyed a stellar fortnight for the Johannesburg-based side.
With an SA ‘A’ fixture scheduled against the Barbarians in Gqeberha, a handful of Lions players deserve a look-in, including skipper Francke Horn and points machine Smith.
On Rassie’s radar
Props: Ox Nché, Vincent Koch
Hooker: Bongi Mbonambi
Loose forwards: Vincent Tshituka, Manu Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi, Siya Kolisi
Scrumhalf: Jaden Hendrikse, Grant Williams
Flyhalf: Jordan Hendrikse
Centre: André Esterhuizen
Wings: Edwill van der Merwe, Makazole Mapimpi
A plethora of loose-forwards have been putting in strong shifts for the Sharks, despite the team struggling in their quest to reach the URC play-offs this season — whether it is Bok captain Siya Kolisi or Vincent Tshituka starting, or Phepsi Buthelezi and Manu Tshituka making an impact.
There have been consistent performances from the back-rowers, and Erasmus will have taken note. Vincent Tshituka’s versatility — he can also play at lock — should make him an exciting prospect at the start of the international season. He always empties his tank, even in a losing cause.
His brother Manu and Buthelezi are also enhancing their chances, and even if they do not make the Bok squad, they are putting their hands up to be part of the second string for the SA 'A' team. That clash against Zimbabwe’s Sables will be a perfect opportunity for the Springbok coaches to give them a run and assess what they can do.
On Rassie’s radar
Props: Ntuthuko Mchunu, Neethling Fouché, Zachary Porthen
Hooker: André-Hugo Venter
Loose forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon, Paul de Villiers, Evan Roos
Flyhalf: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Utility back: Damian Willemse
Based on current form, Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Willemse will likely be the starting flyhalf and fullback for the Springboks, respectively. Despite a few below-par performances, Feinberg-Mngomezulu has shown, through some defining displays, that the No 10 jersey he wore last season should be entrusted to him.
His goal-kicking was flawless against Glasgow in the latest URC match, converting eight from eight, including six tries from a range of difficult angles. It was a mature display against seasoned Scotland internationals who gave England a run for their money in the Six Nations.
Willemse should be a clear frontrunner for the fullback jersey in the absence of the injured Aphelele Fassi. He returned in the No 15 jersey and delivered a no-fuss performance against the Warriors. His security under the high ball and impetus in attack were standout traits, while his defence also helped keep Glasgow scoreless in the second half.