While Rassie Erasmus likely has 90% of his July Test squad already etched in ink, the remaining 10% is where the magic—and the surprises—usually happen. As the Springboks prepare for a massive 2026 schedule, the coaching staff will be keeping a close eye on the “bolters” who could add fresh firepower to the pack.
With injuries and form shifts always part of the game, these three forwards have put forward compelling cases to be the “left-field” selections in the next squad announcement.
1. Ruben van Heerden (Lock)
The second row has been hit by a wave of injuries, opening a potential vacuum that Ruben van Heerden is perfectly equipped to fill. The Stormers veteran has been a statistical marvel in this season’s United Rugby Championship (URC).
- The Stat that Matters: Van Heerden has completed 171 tackles with a staggering 97.7% accuracy rate.
- The Verdict: His work rate and defensive reliability make him a “safe” bet for the international stage. If he continues this form into the URC knockouts, he could be the injury-cover solution Erasmus needs.
2. Juarno Augustus (Loose Forward)
Affectionately known as “Trokkie,” Juarno Augustus has spent recent seasons fighting off ill-timed injuries. However, his recent “Man of the Match” performance in Ulster’s Challenge Cup semi-final win proved he is back to his destructive best.
- The Pedigree: Augustus was firmly on the national radar last year and has the raw power that the Springbok “Bomb Squad” thrives on.
- The Verdict: Although he missed the initial alignment camps, his high-impact performances in Europe make him an impossible candidate to ignore if a gap opens up in the back row.
3. Evan Roos (No. 8/Flanker)
At 26, Evan Roos is no stranger to the Bok setup, but he has often struggled to mirror his dominant Stormers form in the Green and Gold. This season, however, we are seeing a “Roos 2.0.”
- The Evolution: Beyond being the leading try-scorer in the URC, Roos has shown vastly improved discipline and a matured work rate.
- The Verdict: Having been included in the first in-person alignment camp of the year, Roos is clearly in the coaches’ plans. His ability to dominate the gainline while keeping a cool head could earn him a starting berth this July.
Inside the Camp: 2026 Alignment Call-Ups
The competition is fierce. Below are the forwards who were invited to the first official Springbok alignment camp, highlighting the depth Rassie Erasmus has at his disposal:
- Stormers contingent: Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, Evan Roos, Ben-Jason Dixon, Neethling Fouche, etc.
- Bulls contingent: Johan Grobbelaar, Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, Ruan Nortje, etc.
- Sharks contingent: Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Ox Nche, Vincent Tshituka, etc.
- Lions contingent: Ruan Venter, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Bathobele Hlekani.
