Veteran fullback Willie le Roux did not receive an invite to the first Springboks alignment camp happening next week in Cape Town.
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Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus raised more than a few eyebrows when he unveiled a 49-man locally based squad for the first Bok alignment camp of the year in Cape Town next week.
Several seasoned campaigners were left out, most notably Bongi Mbonambi and Willie le Roux. In contrast, nearly a dozen uncapped players — including a handful of exciting Junior Springboks — were handed opportunities.
The camp will look to set the tone for what promises to be a demanding but exciting 2026 international season.
The world champions are scheduled to play 13 matches this year, including 12 Tests and a June warm-up against the world-famous Barbarians invitational side. Erasmus cast his net wide, with teenage prospect Markus Muller headlining a new wave of talent that will get the chance to rub shoulders with World Cup winners.
In the latest episode of The Last Word on Rugby, the panel discusses the absence of the senior players and what it could mean for their futures. Is this the beginning of a new era, with veterans gradually phased out? Or does Erasmus simply know exactly what he has in his experienced stars and want to ensure the next generation is primed and ready ahead of and beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia?
Meanwhile, the United Rugby Championship (URC) delivers two mouthwatering South African derbies. The Lions host the Stormers, while the Bulls and Sharks clash at Loftus Versfeld.
The Stormers look vulnerable, but the potential return of senior players could significantly strengthen them. The Lions, however, are expected to be without two of their Springboks in Ruan Venter and Asenathi Ntlabakanye — it could potentially dent their chances for a victory.
In Pretoria, the Bulls and Sharks clash in what is shaping up to be a thriller. The Sharks have enjoyed recent success at Loftus, but the Bulls appear to be a team on a mission as they fight to secure a place in the URC’s Top 8.
We unpack all the big selection calls, derby drama and key talking points in The Last Word on Rugby.