Springboks forwards coach Deon Davids says they are not too concerned about the depth at lock, but it is worrying that they start another season with a couple of seasoned locks injured.
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It’s a case of déjà vu at the start of the new Springbok season for forwards coach Deon Davids.
Twelve months ago, he was fielding questions about the Springboks’ lock depth and how they would navigate a demanding campaign without several frontline second rowers sidelined by injury.
This week, the topic resurfaced — but with a longer-term twist. The focus now is not only on immediate availability, but on building depth beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup and using the 2026 season to expand the player pool.
It is a position that even head coach Rassie Erasmus has admitted gives him pause ahead of a busy schedule that includes 13 Tests this year, as well as a season-opening clash against the Barbarians on 20 June.
The world champions can still call on seasoned campaigners such as Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, RG Snyman, Franco Mostert and Jean Kleyn. Younger options include Salmaan Moerat and Ruan Nortjé, who have both featured in recent seasons. Moerat and De Jager are currently out injured, while Etzebeth is serving a suspension.
“I would agree with Rassie that when all our locks are fit, we have good depth and experience,” Davids said. “But it does become a concern that at the start of every year when we sit here, there is always an issue with our locks.
“We had that last year and again this year. We have a couple of players out, but it is good to have the opportunity to see what is coming through from our junior players.
"There is some promising talent doing well. We try to look as far ahead as possible in terms of lock availability. It is something we will monitor, but we are not overly concerned. We are positive about what can happen closer to the Test season.”
Davids added that versatility within the squad offers valuable cover. Snyman, De Jager and Mostert are comfortable on either side of the scrum at No 4 or No 5 lock. Utility forward Pieter-Steph du Toit can also shift into the second row if required.
Meanwhile, Ruan Venter, currently attending the Springboks’ alignment camp, has shown in the United Rugby Championship that he is capable of switching from loose forward to lock. The Lions forward is among the younger players pushing for greater involvement this season.
“It’s good to know that even with some injury problems, we have the necessary backup and the balance between players who can play at either No 4 or No 5,” Davids said. “They can do the job, and we will continue to monitor things over the next couple of months ahead of the Test season.”