The Springbok pecking order may well be shaped by performances in the United Rugby Championship and English Premiership playoffs over the next two weeks.
Form matters, and over the years Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has rewarded several players outside of his initial training squad, particularly those who have made a statement in major club finals.
With that in mind, Erasmus named a predictable 54-man squad for this season’s incoming matches on Thursday, with 30 forwards and 24 backs.
It features nine uncapped players and 31 Bok Rugby World Cup winners. History has shown though that players not selected now could force their way into contention.
The only obvious “bolter” is University of Cape Town utility back Ntokozo Makhaza, who starred in the 2025 Varsity Cup but has no senior professional experience.
