Despite being on the receiving end of some sharp critiques, Salmaan Moerat's stock within the Springboks squad hasn't dipped an inch. Stormers leader Moerat is still seen as a key player, according to Bok forwards coach Deon Davids, who is confident in the 28-year-old's abilities to thrive on the international stage.
Davids expressed his confidence at a press event in Cape Town, emphasizing Moerat's inherent qualities.
"As a player he has the quality to play at Test level,"
Davids highlighted, pointing out Moerat's track record of leadership from his school days at Paarl Boys’ High through to captaining the Stormers.
Not just a leader, Moerat brings a physical presence to the number four lock position, crucial for both gaining and halting momentum, particularly at the breakdowns. His contributions are not just about brute strength but also his intelligent play and hard work off the ball.
Despite a toe injury sidelining him post a clash against the Sharks in January, which ended his season in the Vodacom URC prematurely, the Bok management sees him as a pivotal figure for the future. Already with 11 Test caps and three times as captain of the national team, his role is undisputed.
Moerat’s leadership was notably marked when he took on the mantle as South Africa's 65th Test captain in a game against Portugal in 2024. The essence of Moerat’s influence, according to Davids, lies in his ability to perform the critical, often unnoticed tasks on the field.
"He has the ability to create momentum and to be dominant. To do the hard work without the ball,”
Davids elaborated.
Davids insists that Moerat's blend of physical prowess and rugby intelligence makes him an indispensable asset to the team, a testament to his proven capabilities and mindset which align perfectly with the demands of Test rugby.
Moerat, along with rugby luminaries like Eben Etzebeth and Ruan Nortje, were all part of Rassie Erasmus’s first Springbok alignment camp of 2026, indicating the high regard in which he is held and reinforcing his valued place within the national setup.
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Despite being on the receiving end of some sharp critiques, Salmaan Moerat's stock within the Springboks squad hasn't dipped an inch. Stormers leader Moerat is still seen as a key player, according to Bok forwards coach Deon Davids, who is confident in the 28-year-old's abilities to thrive on the international stage.
Davids expressed his confidence at a press event in Cape Town, emphasizing Moerat's inherent qualities.
"As a player he has the quality to play at Test level,"
Davids highlighted, pointing out Moerat's track record of leadership from his school days at Paarl Boys’ High through to captaining the Stormers.Not just a leader, Moerat brings a physical presence to the number four lock position, crucial for both gaining and halting momentum, particularly at the breakdowns. His contributions are not just about brute strength but also his intelligent play and hard work off the ball.
Despite a toe injury sidelining him post a clash against the Sharks in January, which ended his season in the Vodacom URC prematurely, the Bok management sees him as a pivotal figure for the future. Already with 11 Test caps and three times as captain of the national team, his role is undisputed.
Moerat’s leadership was notably marked when he took on the mantle as South Africa's 65th Test captain in a game against Portugal in 2024. The essence of Moerat’s influence, according to Davids, lies in his ability to perform the critical, often unnoticed tasks on the field.
"He has the ability to create momentum and to be dominant. To do the hard work without the ball,”
Davids elaborated.Davids insists that Moerat's blend of physical prowess and rugby intelligence makes him an indispensable asset to the team, a testament to his proven capabilities and mindset which align perfectly with the demands of Test rugby.
Moerat, along with rugby luminaries like Eben Etzebeth and Ruan Nortje, were all part of Rassie Erasmus’s first Springbok alignment camp of 2026, indicating the high regard in which he is held and reinforcing his valued place within the national setup.