With the international season just a few short months away, we’ve identified five players based abroad who could do a job for Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks in 2025 based on current form.
Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints)
Following “Trokkie’s” departure from Cape Town in 2021, many thought the 2017 World Rugby Junior Player of the Year’s international ambitions would never materialise after he initially struggled to translate his age-grade superiority to the pro ranks. In his time at Franklin’s Gardens however, Augustus has become every bit the colossus predicted of him, with his two Champions Cup round of 16 tries against Clermont on the weekend illustrating that fact.
Although the Boks aren’t lacking in loose forward firepower, injury to those higher up in the pecking order could yet see the Ulster-bound 27-year-old given an opportunity in the green and gold.
Ivan van Zyl (Saracens)
A capped Springbok during Erasmus’ first season in charge in 2018, van Zyl made the switch to Saracens in 2021 in a move that has seen him take his game to a new level. Recently elevated to the role of Sarries captain in Maro Itoje’s Six Nations absence, the former Bulls scrumhalf in March signed a new long-term deal to keep him at the StoneX until 2028.
He may be another player on the outside looking in when it comes to the Bok selection frame, but van Zyl has the necessary experience and form required to step up to the plate in an emergency.
Thaakir Abrahams (Munster)
Abrahams left the Hollywoodbets Sharks in 2023 for a somewhat underwhelming Top 14 stint with Lyon before finding himself at Thomond Park last year. This season, the diminutive winger, yet another in the scrumcap-clad mould of a Gio Aplon/ Cheslin
Kolbe/ Kurt-Lee Arendse/ Edwill van der Merwe, has been in sublime touch, typified by his electric Champions Cup performance against Stade Francais in Limerick in round on.
When fit, Abrahams is a nailed-on starter for Munster and more consistent showings would only make the 25-year-old a more attractive proposition out wide.
Arno Botha (Lyon)
Two-Test Botha was monstrous in round 16 of the Challenge Cup, finishing with 59-carry metres courtesy of two clean breaks, as well as nine tackles in a proper captain’s innings. Injury has plagued the talented loose forward’s career, but he remains a quality operator and has been highly influential for Lyon this season as they look to replicate their 2022 Challenge Cup heroics and stage an admittedly unlikely assault on the Top 14 championship.
Erasmus will know what he can get from Botha, and although the former Bull’s days in the international arena seem done, never say never in sport.
Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets)
Being the only player on this list to have featured in February’s Bok alignment camp in February, van der Merwe is the most likely of the quintet to get green and gold game time in 2025. The former Cheetahs hooker has been in impressive form for the Scarlets in the URC this term and remains a strong contender in the front row.
With the jury still out as to whether veteran Bongi Mbonambi has the legs to make it to Australia 2027, there may yet be a hooker vacuum in the national set up soon, something that would suit van der Merwe just fine.
