The Urgent Need for a Reliable Backup at No. 8 for the Springboks
OPINION: The recent absence and comeback of Jasper Wiese have highlighted a glaring issue for the Springboks; they urgently require a competent backup option for the No. 8 position in the upcoming November tour.
When Wiese is healthy and performing well, he serves as a powerhouse at the back of the pack, functioning like a battering ram who effectively wins collisions, gains crucial post-contact meters, and creates momentum that energizes the backline for quick plays.
However, Wiese's enforced absence due to suspension and his eventual return during the Rugby Championship has emphasized a pressing selection dilemma. Currently, there isn’t an obvious, natural substitute who can seamlessly fill his role whenever the Upington Express faces challenges.
Since Duane Vermeulen's retirement from international rugby following the 2023 World Cup, Wiese has solidified his position as the primary choice for the Springboks at No. 8, starting in 11 out of his 22 Test appearances so far.
What’s particularly telling is that of the four games the Boks have lost since the start of 2024, Wiese was in the starting lineup for only one—a closely contested 28-29 defeat in Argentina last year. His absence, exacerbated by a red card in his final match for Leicester Tigers in 2024 and a suspension following a headbutt during a game against Italy, has made it evident that Rassie Erasmus categorically views him as the one destined to inherit Vermeulen’s legacy.
Since returning from his latest ban, Wiese has shown remarkable form, significantly enhancing the balance of the Springboks' back row. His impressive performances have aided the team in clinching historic back-to-back titles in the Rugby Championship. For instance, in his first game back in Wellington, Wiese racked up an outstanding 113 meters from just 15 carries, not to mention leaving a trail of three defenders in his wake—solidifying a record-shattering win against the All Blacks.
Yet, it’s worth noting that the old saying holds true: absence makes the heart grow fonder. This truth was starkly apparent when the Springboks struggled to manage the void left by Wiese’s suspensions. Such challenges compelled Rassie Erasmus to make significant tactical adjustments.
In a bold move, Siya Kolisi, who remains a world-class openside flanker, was tasked with wearing the No. 8 jersey in matches against Australia at Ellis Park and against the All Blacks in Auckland. The absence of both Kolisi’s expertise at the breakdown and Wiese’s formidable power significantly impacted the Boks, leading to their only two defeats this year. Both outings showcased a Bok pack that lacked balance and was unable to generate the momentum critical to their game strategy, often referred to as "Tonyball."
With the November tour rapidly approaching, Erasmus and the coaching staff are presented with an opportunity to utilize the remaining five Tests to find a suitable backup for Wiese. If the goal for the November tour is to maintain team cohesion while also preparing for potential injury-related attrition, the clear short-term strategy should involve selecting a like-for-like replacement who would allow the Boks to adhere to their established game plan without significant alterations.
This brings us to Juarno Augustus. A former Junior Bok standout, Augustus was earlier in the year part of the Bok alignment squad. Although a minor injury issue following his transfer to Ulster slowed his debut, he is now making a strong case for selection once more. In his initial two URC matches, Augustus has demonstrated his capability with an impressive tally of 26 carries for 90 meters, out of which 50 were post-contact meters, while also outperforming four defenders along the way.
This practical choice does not exclude the pursuit of longer-term talent development. Cameron Hanekom continues to be a promising prospect; his athleticism and ball-carrying abilities position him well to evolve into a Test-quality No. 8 as well as an openside flanker. Elrigh Louw is also a valuable utility forward, although he is currently undergoing long-term rehabilitation for a knee injury and is anticipated to make a return in 2026.
The coaching team is therefore tasked with a dual strategy: they should select Augustus for immediate, like-for-like coverage, while simultaneously nurturing Hanekom's growth in anticipation of his future contributions. In simpler terms, replacing Jasper Wiese’s explosive performance isn’t something that can be achieved through minor adjustments; a robust, like-for-like substitution is essential. Augustus stands out as the reliable plug-in option that the Springboks can trust to align seamlessly with the existing team dynamics.
