The Springboks' lock situation is more scrutinized than a referee at a playoff game, according to forwards coach Deon Davids. Despite boasting a lineup that could make other nations green with envy, Davids confessed that the depth chart is always under the microscope especially as they prep for the 2027 World Cup.
"Obviously we know where all our locks are playing, but it becomes a concern for us every year when we sit in this conference," Davids revealed. "At the start of the season there always seems to be an issue with locks, whether it’s injuries or availability." It seems even world champions can’t dodge the injury bullet.
However, it's not all doom and gloom. Davids is quite upbeat about the fresh meat rising through the ranks. "It’s good to have the opportunity to see what’s happening with the younger players coming through," he noted. "There is some talent there that is doing well. We always try to look as far ahead as possible in terms of the availability and versatility of our locks."
"A guy like RG can play both No 4 and No 5. That flexibility helps when you’re managing injuries or looking at different combinations."
While seasoned warriors like Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager are not getting any younger, the Boks are not just sitting on their laurels. They’re peeping over the fence at talents like JJ van der Mescht to bolster their ranks. With the veterans pushing past 30 and logging serious minutes, Davids and the coaching staff are keenly aware of the ticking clock.
The Bok locker room is also seeing a shift with younger players like Salmaan Moerat and Ruan Nortje stepping up. "It’s good to know that even with some injury concerns we have a balance of players who can do the job," Davids expressed his relief and optimism. But he quickly added, "But it’s something we will continue to monitor closely as we build towards the Test season and beyond."
The Springboks have a packed schedule this season, including a non-cap Barbarians match and 13 Tests, featuring the new Nations Championship and a four-Test Greatest Rivalry Series against the All Blacks. It's going to be a thrilling year for rugby fans, with plenty of opportunities to see how these locks hold up under pressure.
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The Springboks' lock situation is more scrutinized than a referee at a playoff game, according to forwards coach Deon Davids. Despite boasting a lineup that could make other nations green with envy, Davids confessed that the depth chart is always under the microscope especially as they prep for the 2027 World Cup.
"Obviously we know where all our locks are playing, but it becomes a concern for us every year when we sit in this conference," Davids revealed. "At the start of the season there always seems to be an issue with locks, whether it’s injuries or availability." It seems even world champions can’t dodge the injury bullet.
However, it's not all doom and gloom. Davids is quite upbeat about the fresh meat rising through the ranks. "It’s good to have the opportunity to see what’s happening with the younger players coming through," he noted. "There is some talent there that is doing well. We always try to look as far ahead as possible in terms of the availability and versatility of our locks."
"A guy like RG can play both No 4 and No 5. That flexibility helps when you’re managing injuries or looking at different combinations."
While seasoned warriors like Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager are not getting any younger, the Boks are not just sitting on their laurels. They’re peeping over the fence at talents like JJ van der Mescht to bolster their ranks. With the veterans pushing past 30 and logging serious minutes, Davids and the coaching staff are keenly aware of the ticking clock.
The Bok locker room is also seeing a shift with younger players like Salmaan Moerat and Ruan Nortje stepping up. "It’s good to know that even with some injury concerns we have a balance of players who can do the job," Davids expressed his relief and optimism. But he quickly added, "But it’s something we will continue to monitor closely as we build towards the Test season and beyond."
The Springboks have a packed schedule this season, including a non-cap Barbarians match and 13 Tests, featuring the new Nations Championship and a four-Test Greatest Rivalry Series against the All Blacks. It's going to be a thrilling year for rugby fans, with plenty of opportunities to see how these locks hold up under pressure.