Possibly the best example of how good a space Springbok rugby is currently in came on Sunday with the news that frontline scrumhalf Faf de Klerk could only return to the national side next year as his injury complications seem to have worsened.
Normally that would be a mini crisis for the national team, but after the perfect start to the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, a lead at the top of the standings and all 33 players on tour being included in the two games, coach Rassie Erasmus currently sits with such an embarrassment of riches when it comes to depth that De Klerk’s injury may not even raise an eyebrow.
The lessons that the Boks learnt will be very much remembered ahead of their visit in 2027 to defend their World Cup title, and a number of newbies have been given a chance to cement their places in the team. The impressive first half from the All Blacks and overall victory to bounce back at Eden Park won’t be underestimated. While some were crowing about the Boks already having sewn up the Rugby Championship title last week, the reality is that - other than Ireland at the moment - the All Blacks remain the litmus test for the Springboks.
Those, along with the four who return from injury, will make the selection a bit more complex, a bit more of a debate than it has been over the past four years.
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