Springboks gamble on versatility with only one specialist fullback for November tour

When head coach Rassie Erasmus unveiled his Springbok squad for the Year-end Tests, apart from the omission of some senior players and talented rookies, one selection detail stood out: Damian Willemse is the only recognised fullback in the touring group.

While this is not uncharted territory for the Boks — selecting only one specialist in a key position — given the physical and tactical demands of the northern hemisphere, the decision to travel with only one out-and-out fullback poses some interesting questions.

Willemse’s quality and versatility are beyond debate, though, and it is a bold selection. The 27-year-old has been one of the trademarks of the Bok backline since stepping into the World Cup fray in 2019 and playing a more prominent role since 2022. He’s been shifting seamlessly between fullback, flyhalf and inside centre when needed.

His brilliance under the high ball, on defence and attack, trusted kicking boot and counter-attacking ability make him a natural fit for the No 15 jersey. However, relying on him as the sole specialist in a five-Test tour is a risk.

With fellow attacking ace Aphelele Fassi injured and the ageing Willie le Roux and young Quan Horn not in the mix, the Springbok coaches clearly backed trusted versatility over like-for-like depth.

Several players in the squad can cover fullback when called upon, including Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok and even Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe, and Jesse Kriel. They all possess the skill to take over that role and there might be some surprises in certain games. But none of them are natural No 15s in the traditional sense.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu has the tactical intelligence and kicking range to handle the backfield duties, however, he is a must at flyhalf and the Bok management views him as a long-term option there. Kolbe and Arendse, both electric in open play, would be a more unconventional pick. They are smaller in stature and more at home on the wing, where his aerial game is best used.

Libbok has played fullback before at provincial level, but the Boks may prefer to keep him focused on his flyhalf duties with the current form he is enjoying. Even Edwill van der Merwe could serve as emergency cover, having featured at fullback for the Sharks this season, but he too is a more potent asset on the wing.

However, the decision not to call up a specialist like Horn — who has been one of the most consistent performers in the United Rugby Championship for the Lions — feels like an opportunity missed. Horn’s positional play is excellent, he is calm under pressure and is one of the best defensive fullbacks in the local game.

Including him, even as backup, could have offered the Boks greater balance and a chance to blood a new specialist in the absence of Fassi and Le Roux, but it is clear that his chances of making the 2027 Rugby World Cup squad could be gone.

It looks like Erasmus, and his staff have clearly prioritised flexibility, ensuring that almost every backline player can slot into multiple roles.

But with Tests against Japan, France, Italy, Ireland and Wales on the horison — where the aerial battle and tactical kicking duels are fierce — the Boks’ lack of depth at fullback could be exposed if Willemse were to pick up an injury.