Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has given a candid update on the state of South Africa’s front row as the team prepares for a demanding schedule in 2025.
Veteran props Frans Malherbe and Trevor Nyakane are set to miss the entire year due to injury, while three-time World Cup winner Steven Kitshoff recently retired after a serious neck injury, leaving a notable gap in the squad.
To fill these crucial positions, new faces like Wilco Louw, Thomas du Toit, and Neethling Fouche are expected to step up and lead the pack moving forward.
Erasmus on the Front Row Situation
“Frans probably won’t play again this season, and Trevor definitely won’t be available,” Erasmus confirmed.
“But Neethling is no longer a youngster—he’s around 32 now, which is a great age for a tighthead prop. Thomas du Toit is performing strongly at Bath Rugby and is among their top players. Wilco is also in good form.”
Despite the changes, Erasmus emphasized that the Springboks won’t alter their style of play.
“We want to keep our forward dominance. Yes, there will be new faces in the front row this year, but our game plan stays the same.”
Springboks 2025 Fixtures
- 28 June: vs Barbarians, DHL Stadium, Cape Town (17:10)
- 5 July: vs Italy, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria (17:10)
- 12 July: vs Italy, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha (17:10)
- 19 July: vs Georgia, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit (17:10)
- 16 August: vs Australia, Ellis Park, Johannesburg (17:10)
- 23 August: vs Australia, DHL Stadium, Cape Town (17:10)
- 6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland (09:05)
- 13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington (09:05)
- 27 September: vs Argentina, Kings Park, Durban (17:10)
- 4 October: vs Argentina, London (15:00)
- 8 November: vs France, Paris (TBD)
- 15 November: vs Italy, Turin (TBD)
- 22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin (19:40)
- 29 November: vs Wales, Cardiff (17:10)
