Wiese's injury opens the door for Roos v Hanekom battle

The disappointing news that Springbok loose forward Jasper Wiese will miss the rest of the season with a neck injury may actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus ahead of a tough international season.

And it could give both Springbok loose forwards Evan Roos and Cameron Hanekom a chance to stake their claims for a more permanent spot ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Wiese announced the injury after playing for his Japanese club Urayasu D-Rocks in a club statement, confirming his season was over.

“I just wanted to say that I had to come back to South Africa to get an operation on my neck,” Wiese said in a club statement.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to play again this season, but please, your support means the world to us… I really appreciate it, and for the team, all the best for the season. Thank you.”

With Jasper Wiese out for the rest of the season, who will replace him at No 8 for the Springboks? pic.twitter.com/E0aHsIaASH

— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) April 10, 2025

The news that both Wiese and the Vodacom Bulls captain Elrigh Louw are out for the international season normally would be treated as a major blow to the World Champions, but Erasmus has nothing except options to fill the void.

And with the Bok coach already indicating that he will be looking to give some of the younger upstarts more game time to get them closer to the 30-odd caps he sees as necessary before the 2027 World Cup title defence rolls around, it could see some exciting opportunities for some young loose forwards indeed.

First and foremost though, underlining the options that Erasmus has, is the exceptional form that Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has shown for the Hollywoodbets Sharks since moving to No 8 this season.

While by no means fitting into the mould of the traditional hard-running No 8, Kolisi’s work-rate and ability to be in the right place at the right time has added another option for Erasmus for his captain to continue to find a place in the loose trio, even though there never was really a concern that he would fall out of the reckoning.

Erasmus also has Kwagga Smith, double World Cup winner and a player that also doesn’t fit the traditional No 8 role, but has shown time and again how he is an asset to the Springboks when he gets onto the field.

Yet the intriguing battle between the two former Paarl Boishaai players will be one to watch for the rest of the season, with both already having their Bok caps and both looking for more action to cement their claims.

Both Roos and Hanekom are hard-running No 8s who can turn a game in a moment, and have a workrate that compliments their teams.

Both have had some injury concerns over the past season or so and will want to take a massive claim at Bok level as the next No 8 and both have been in great form in the URC.

Elrigh Louw and Johan Goosen, both sidelined with knee injuries, catch-up on the touchlines at Bulls training in the buildup to a @Vodacom #URC clash against Leinster. https://t.co/jO8pZEP2uD

— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) March 22, 2025

While many fans may have their favourite, depending on their franchise affiliation, few would disagree that either player in form would be good for the Green and Gold.

Outside the duo, another former Boishaai No 8 - Emirates Lions captain Francke Horn - has been exceptionally consistent in his form this season and deserves a look-in as well.

Others who have been in and around the Bok squad include Phepsi Buthelezi, and Celimpilo Gumede (invited to the Bok camp last season) while the Boks can always lean on either of the Du Preez twins - Jean-Luc and Dan, both of whom have been on the fringes of the Bok squad over the past few seasons, and Northampton Saints’ Juarno Augustus, who has been in good form in the Premiership.

Either way, the race to replace Wiese will be an interesting one and, spoilt for choice, Erasmus is likely to choose the player he believes will best compliment the Boks going into the World Cup defence.