BOK FIVE THAT COULD REPLACE WILLEMSE

Who will replace Damian Willemse in the Springbok No. 15 jersey during the mid-year Tests?

That is now the big question, following the news on Tuesday that the two-time World Cup winner is expected to be out of action for up to four months with a finger injury that requires surgery.

Coach Rassie Erasmus has a few options to consider at fullback. Here are five players he might look towards to wear the Springboks’ No.15jumper:

Willie le Roux

The veteran World Cup winner has played off the bench in recent times, but is the Bulls’ first choice fullback and having picked up 93 Test caps, the 34-year-old could be set to reclaim the starting role.

The big thing with Le Roux is he’s “been there and done that”, and Erasmus knows exactly what he brings to the team and what he is capable of.

Aphelele Fassi

The Sharks man earned three Test caps in 2021 but then fell out of favour with the Bok coaching team.

Fassi’s defensive work came under scrutiny at that stage, but he has found good form again in recent times and has played a big part in the Sharks’ revival in recent weeks and their qualification for the Challenge Cup final on Friday.

Quan Horn

The Lions player has enjoyed a good few seasons in the URC after making his debut a few years back and was among the invited group for the Boks’ first alignment camp in April. He is also currently in Cape Town at the second camp.

At just 22, Horn is still young and raw, but he’s played with a lot of maturity in the Lions team and shown he has a bright future.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

He’s one of the brightest stars in SA rugby. A player who can play at 10, 12 and fullback, Feinberg-Mngomezulu could be just the man Erasmus turns to for the mid-year Tests.

The Stormers man is a classy operator who can also kick to goal so there is a lot going for the 22-year-old, who already has plenty of international experience behind him.

Cheslin Kolbe

The star veteran of the Bok backline has even played scrumhalf and flyhalf at times, but it is at fullback where he made his name for the Stormers all those years ago, so he could easily slot into the No. 15 jersey in the mid-year Tests.

The Boks have plenty of cover on the wings, so Erasmus may opt to go with the dynamism of Kolbe from the back. —