Five Springboks who must seize their moment on year-end tour

The Springboks’ year-end tour isn’t just about finishing the season strong — it’s about laying the foundations for the next Rugby World Cup.

As the world champions prepare for five Tests against Japan, France, Italy, Ireland and Wales, starting this weekend at Wembley in London, head coach Rassie Erasmus will look to give more experience to his expanded player pool while allowing fresh combinations an extended run.

Several fringe players will have a golden opportunity to prove they belong at international level ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup during the next couple of matches.

We look at five players who must make the most of their shot in green-and-gold this November.

Johan Grobbelaar (hooker)

Back in the mix after missing this season’s matches — and with Bongi Mbonambi nearing the twilight of his career — Johan Grobbelaar has forced himself back into contention with some strong performances in the United Rugby Championship.

Malcolm Marx has been the mainstay for the Boks, which means the hooker position is open for a new contender to step up, especially after the suspension of Jan-Hendrik Wessels.

Grobbelaar has been one of the URC’s most consistent performers for the Bulls — mobile, accurate at lineout time, and tireless around the park. This tour could be his moment to show that he’s more than just a solid franchise player.

Ben-Jason Dixon – (loose forward)

Dixon has quietly built a reputation at the Stormers as a workhorse with an enormous engine and uncompromising physicality. His versatility — being able to play across the back row and at lock — makes him an ideal Erasmus-type player.

With competition fierce among the loose forwards, Dixon must showcase his breakdown efficiency and defensive grit to carve out a niche in a group stacked with world-class options. One standout performance could make him a long-term squad member.

He recently returned from injury and has been putting in the hard work in the URC for the Stormers. Now, it’s about carrying that form forward into the Bok setup.

Ethan Hooker (wing)

The Sharks’ speedster has been one of the rising stars of South African rugby this season. Tall, physical and deceptively quick, Hooker brings a blend of power, durability and finishing instinct that the Bok setup values.

With wings like Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse established, Erasmus could give Hooker his first proper taste of northern hemisphere Test rugby after he stood out during the Rugby Championship against New Zealand, Argentina and Australia.

This tour is his chance to prove he can handle both the pace and pressure of European conditions — and push for a permanent place in the squad.

Morné van den Berg (scrumhalf)

Yes, Cobus Reinach and Grant Williams have cemented themselves as the top two scrumhalves in the national setup, but that No 3 spot is definitely up for grabs, with Faf de Klerk nearing the end of his international career and Jaden Hendrikse struggling for form.

“Krappie,” as he is affectionately known, finally has a chance to stake his claim during this tour. The Lions No. 9 brings tempo, crisp service and attacking spark — qualities that could offer the Boks a different dynamic off the bench.

With Williams and Reinach possibly rotated for certain games, Van den Berg must prove he can control a game, not just energize it. A composed performance in tough European conditions could make him a real contender going into 2026.

Gerhard Steenekamp (prop)

The Bulls powerhouse made his Bok debut in 2023 but has yet to establish himself in the loosehead pecking order in the Springbok side. Known for his scrummaging strength and ball-carrying, Steenekamp now needs to turn potential into dominance.

With Ox Nche’s heavy workload this past season, the stage is set for Steenekamp to show he can step up when the loosehead is possibly rested in some of the November games. Consistency and composure will be key if he wants to become a mainstay through to 2027.

He hasn’t had a taste of Test rugby in 2025 due to injury but will be eager to get back into the green-and-gold to establish himself as another scrummaging option.