Damian Willemse could be the third-choice flyhalf for the Springboks should head coach Rassie Erasmus not decide to bring in players from outside the squad ahead of the new international season.
Stormers flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s ankle injury has left the Springboks with a significant hole to fill in the No 10 jersey ahead of a demanding international season.
With reports confirming a serious ankle syndesmosis injury, the playmaker could be sidelined for more than three months, ruling him definitely out of the July Tests and potentially a part of the Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks later this year.
Following a standout season for the world champions last year, head coach Rassie Erasmus will hope that Feinberg-Mngomezulu is back sooner rather than later. He was earmarked to play a pivotal role this season, but the responsibility will now largely rest with established flyhalves Handré Pollard and Manie Libbok for most of the 2026 Tests.
If Erasmus decides to look beyond his established options, Lions pivot Chris Smith has certainly strengthened his case with another consistent United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign.
