Nick Mallett says the Springboks have two outstanding candidates to take over from Pieter-Steph du Toit when the 33-year-old flanker eventually retires.
Du Toit has been one of the most influential figures in the Bok pack in 2025, logging more minutes (560) than any other player and continuing to deliver world-class performances in the No 7 jersey.
But as the 2027 World Cup edges closer, succession planning is high on the agenda.
Mallett identified two Bulls players currently recovering from knee injuries that ruled them out of the 2025 Test season, Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom.
“Elrigh, when he returns from injury, has the height, physical strength and rugby intelligence to become an excellent seven flank,” said Mallett told Rapport.
“The other very special player is Hanekom. Maybe not quite as tall, but an excellent rugby player with a very high work rate.”
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Mallett, a former Springbok loose forward and coach, believes Hanekom’s all-round skillset makes him an exciting option.
“He has a very high tackle count, a good passing game in contact situations and carries the ball very well. He also wins loose balls, which is an added bonus.”
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Mallett added that there’s also a versatile alternative should injuries strike.
“If neither of them are fit to tour, there is the possibility of using [lock] Ruan Nortjé as a seven flank. He covers the ground well, has a very good engine, makes a lot of tackles and is an excellent lineout exponent.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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Nick Mallett says the Springboks have two outstanding candidates to take over from Pieter-Steph du Toit when the 33-year-old flanker eventually retires.
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