Springboks: The top two in every forward position
In the second part of this series, we select the top two players in the Springboks' pecking order in every position across the forward pack.
Black News 
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will soon reveal his first Test squad of the year, with the July internationals kicking off in two months’ time.
As we consider what that squad and Test team could look like, we assess who are the top two players in every position in the forward pack.
Springboks’ pecking order among numerous talented forwards
Eighthman
1 – Jasper Wiese: No doubts here, Wiese was sorely missed last year when he was unavailable, and upon his return he proved why he is the unequivocal first-choice at No 8.
2 – Cameron Hanekom: This has been one of the problem areas for the Springboks, with no specialist candidate offering clear-cut back up at No 8. Kwagga Smith, Franco Mostert, Evan Roos, Elrigh Louw and even Siya Kolisi could fill in at No 8, but a fit-again Hanekom looks to be a player the Springboks must now back for more game-time.
Blindside flank
1 – Pieter-Steph du Toit: It is hoped that PSDT will have recovered from injury in time to start the Test season with the Springboks, and there is no doubt that he will retain the No 7 jersey if fit.
2 – Elrigh Louw: Another talented youngster who has overcome a serious injury, and he should very quickly slot back into the bomb squad.
Openside flank
1 – Siya Kolisi: The leader of the team and integral member of the pack. Enough said.
2 – Kwagga Smith: One of the Springboks’ ultimate bomb squad members, the versatile forward will continue to play a key role for the foreseeable future.
No 5 lock *injured players not considered
1 – Ruan Nortje: With Lood de Jager and RG Snyman sidelined with long-term injuries, this season will present another opportunity for the ever-reliable Nortje to establish himself as the first-choice No 5.
2 – Franco Mostert: The utility forward will continue to have an important role to play for the Springboks, most likely providing back up at No 5 and blinside flank.
No 4 lock *injured players not considered
1 – Eben Etzebeth: Due to a ban and then an injury, Etzebeth will have played hardly any rugby before the start of the Test season, but he will of course remain the mainstay at No 4.
2 – JJ van der Mescht: We’re making a big call here. With an injury crisis of sorts when it comes to the lock stocks, Erasmus may well opt to hand newcomer Van der Mescht a series of opportunities as a powerful back up option at No 4.
Tighthead prop
1 – Thomas du Toit: Currently playing for Bath, Du Toit has been in top form this season, and should now be backed as the first-choice tighthead in the absence of injured Frans Malherbe.
2 – Wilco Louw: Another powerhouse option for the Springboks. Expect Louw and Du Toit to dovetail effectively in the front row.
Hooker
1 – Malcolm Marx: No doubts about this of course, with the current World Rugby Player of the Year a shoo-in at hooker.
2 – Johan Grobbelaar: With Bongi Mbonambi dropping down the pecking order, Grobbelaar is expected to be the designated bomb squad hooker or even start certain Tests to manage Marx’s load. He offers exactly what Rassie loves: accuracy at the lineout and a massive defensive work rate.
Loosehead prop
1 – Ox Nché: The undisputed first choice – widely regarded as the best scrummaging loosehead in the world.
2 – Jan-Hendrik Wessels: While often viewed as a utility who can play hooker, his primary value in 2026 could be at loosehead, with Wessels quickly having become an integral member of the Springbok matchday 23.
What do you think of these selections?
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