Charles Esther
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has provided a sobering update on the team’s front row options heading into the 2025 season.
Long-time regulars Frans Malherbe and Trevor Nyakane are expected to miss the entire year due to injury and recovery setbacks.
Adding to the blow, veteran prop Steven Kitshoff, a two-time World Cup winner, has announced his retirement following a serious neck injury.
These developments leave the Springboks with the challenge of rebuilding their scrummaging power before their busy mid-year test schedule.
New Front Row Trio Poised to Step Up
With several senior players unavailable, Erasmus has indicated that Wilco Louw, Thomas du Toit, and Neethling Fouche will likely fill the void.
These players bring strength and experience, with each having made their mark both domestically and internationally in recent seasons.
“Neethling is not a boy anymore,” Erasmus said, emphasizing the 32-year-old’s readiness for a leading role at tighthead.
He also praised Thomas du Toit’s performance with English club Bath and Wilco Louw’s strong form in the United Rugby Championship.
Maintaining Forward Dominance Despite Changes
Despite the personnel changes, Erasmus was clear that the Springboks will not stray from their signature forward-oriented strategy.
“We are not going to change our game,” he said. “We want to retain that forward power.”
He acknowledged that while the names may be different, the goal remains the same—dominate up front and build from the set-piece.
Fans can expect the new front row to uphold the team’s long-standing reputation for physical dominance in the scrum.
Upcoming Fixtures Set the Stage for Transition
The Springboks have a packed test schedule that will test their new front row lineup under pressure.
The team begins its season on June 28 against the Barbarians in Cape Town.
This will be followed by two tests against Italy on July 5 in Pretoria and July 12 in Gqeberha.
They face Georgia on July 19 in Mbombela, offering another key opportunity to gel the forward pack.
Rugby Championship and World Tour Loom
South Africa’s Rugby Championship campaign kicks off on August 16 against Australia at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
They play the Wallabies again on August 23 in Cape Town.
The Springboks then travel to New Zealand for back-to-back fixtures on September 6 in Auckland and September 13 in Wellington.
The championship ends with two matches against Argentina—September 27 in Durban and October 4 in London.
November Tests to Cap Off the Year
November features an intense European tour, starting with a clash against France in Paris on November 8.
The Springboks will face Italy in Turin on November 15, followed by Ireland in Dublin on November 22.
They wrap up the year on November 29 with a showdown against Wales in Cardiff.
This series will be a final proving ground for the new front row ahead of the 2026 international calendar.
Final Thoughts
The Springboks are entering a transitional phase in the front row, with several veterans unavailable for the 2025 season.
However, the emergence of Wilco Louw, Thomas du Toit, and Neethling Fouche offers a promising path forward.
