A big reason why South Africa are the best international rugby side in the world right now is their strength in depth. Ox Nché might be the leading loosehead of the team, but Gerhard Steenekamp is a capable replacement. When Siya Kolisi comes off, Marco van Staden is raring to go.
You get the picture. Every member of the Boks squad offers quality when needed. But in rugby, coaches are always looking to the future and players who might be the stalwarts in the coming years.
That’s no different for Rassie Erasmus, especially with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon. With several big matches coming up in the summer, there are a few players who might be able to earn meaningful international minutes in 2026.
Phepsi Buthelezi
Sharks star Phepsi Buthelezi is not uncapped at international level, having made his debut against Portugal in a try-scoring appearance. But the loose forward hasn’t managed to add to that cap since then.
However, the 26-year-old has been making waves at club level, filling in for Siya Kolisi while he recovered from injury. A record of six tries in four games against Munster, Cardiff, Ospreys and Edinburgh proves that he’s more than just a fierce presence on the pitch – he’s someone who can find positions to make the biggest impact.
Capable of filling in at No 8, Buthelezi could finally earn a return to the international setup ahead of South Africa’s busy summer. Sharks fans will hope their player can earn a spot in the squad for the upcoming match against the Barbarians, and rugby fanatics who want to bet on the Boks can use an Easybet promo code to back the team in that match.
Paul de Villiers
There’s a significant roadblock facing Paul de Villiers and his ambitions of playing for South Africa, and that’s the sheer strength in depth at No 6. Siya Kolisi remains the standard-bearer for the Boks, but at 34, the curtain looks set to come down on his international career after the 2027 World Cup.
His recent injury only highlights the need to find a long-term solution, and with a lengthy summer schedule on the horizon, that’s where Erasmus can take a look at De Villiers. The 23-year-old blindside has become one of Stormers’ standout performers this season, which earned him a spot in the alignment camp earlier this year.
De Villiers’ work at the breakdown and big tackles make him a formidable option going forward. This summer is the perfect time for him to earn a first appearance at international level and prepare him for the future.
Cheswill Jooste
There are few youngsters coming through the ranks as exciting as Cheswill Jooste. Yes, South Africa are loaded with depth at wing, but the 19-year-old has put himself in contention for selection this summer.
The under-20 star who played a part in their Rugby Championship success has starred in the Bulls’ URC matches this season, scoring two tries against Ospreys, along with three more against Pau, Munster and Scarlets.
He looks to be the future on the wing for South Africa and, like De Villiers, Jooste earned a call-up to the South Africa alignment camp earlier in 2026. Erasmus won’t thrust him into the team ahead of seasoned players like Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, but even just a few senior minutes will do a lot for his development.
The post Next-Gen Boks: Three rising stars on Rassie’s summer radar appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
A big reason why South Africa are the best international rugby side in the world right now is their strength in depth. Ox Nché might be the leading loosehead of the team, but Gerhard Steenekamp is a capable replacement. When Siya Kolisi comes off, Marco van Staden is raring to go.
The post Next-Gen Boks: Three rising stars on Rassie’s summer radar appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
