World's No 1 ranked Springboks have depth to cushion injury blows from Japan match

The Springboks had an ideal start to their five-match tour of Europe at the weekend, overwhelming Japan 61-7. We look at five takeaways from the Boks’ warm-up match ahead of their date with France in Paris this week.

Boks entrenched at No 1

England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Scotland notched up victories over Australia, Ireland, Japan, and the USA, respectively, over the weekend, with the December 3 draw for the 2027 World Cup looming. England’s 25-7 defeat of the Wallabies saw them move ahead of France into fourth position. That was the only movement in the top ten of the world rankings.

Despite the scale of the Boks’ win at Wembley, they did not earn any ranking points due to the World Rugby differential between South Africa and Japan. However, this week’s clash in Paris between the number one (South Africa) and fifth-ranked France will carry meaningful implications. The higher a country is on the World Rankings at the December draw, the easier their pool for RWC Australia 2027.

Jasper Wiese must keep his cool

The Springboks have depth issues at No 8, a problem that has persisted since Duane Vermeulen retired after the 2023 World Cup and was exacerbated when Wiese was banned for four matches for a headbutt on an Italy player in July. Since his return, Wiese has been sensational, both with the ball in hand and in defence with his heavy hits. Stormers fans might beg to differ, but there is a clear gulf in class between Wiese and pretender Evan Roos.

Sacha FM is blaring loud and clear

The Springboks’ pre-match warm-up ahead of the Japan game highlighted the flyhalf hierarchy, with Handre Pollard assisting Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in preparation. Pollard, two years ago the hero who kicked the Springboks to World Cup glory, is now third on the flyhalf ladder behind Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Manie Libbok. Yet there he was, in training kit at Wembley, guiding Feinberg-Mngomezulu — a striking example of selflessness that helps explain why the Boks remain at the top.

Kurt-Lee’s class

Injury crises at fullback spared Erasmus a selection headache, moving Cheslin Kolbe to 15 and bringing back Kurt-Lee Arendse on the wing. Arendse was magnificent, scoring two tries and taking his tally to 23 in 28 Tests. With Ethan Hooker and Kolbe also in form, Erasmus now faces a tough but enviable choice in selecting his back three.

Loosehead prop conundrum

Ox Nche’s sensational form was overshadowed by a serious knee injury, leaving him on crutches and facing a long period out. Fortunately, Rassie Erasmus’ succession planning softens the blow. Bulls prop Gerhard Steenekamp returned from a lengthy layoff and impressed when he came on, while Boan Venter has been blooded and Thomas du Toit offers versatility between loosehead and tighthead. This rescue scenario would not be possible without Erasmus giving opportunities to fringe props throughout the year.