The start of the Springboks’ season is still more than a couple of months away, but there is already an injury crisis of sorts to contend with.

In the all-important position at No 8, the two frontrunners in this role from last year, Jasper Wiese and Elrigh Louw, have already been ruled out for at least the majority of the 2025 Test season due to injury.

And so it begs the question, who is the Springboks’ next best option at No 8.

It could lead to an exciting opportunity for talented youngster Cameron Hanekom, who earned his first Test cap at the end of last year, and who has continued to impress for the Bulls with regularity.

Something similar could be said for talented Lions youngster Ruan Venter, who also debuted for the Springboks last year, and seems well set for more opportunities at the back of the scrum now.

There is Evan Roos and even overseas-based Juarno Augustus, while Lions star Francke Horn or Sale Sharks stalwart Jean-Luc du Preez could be other left-field considerations.

Another consideration would be for Kwagga Smith to be deployed slightly out of position at No 8, but this would seemingly defy the purpose of really finding some long-term options in this role.

The Springbok coaches may also consider Siya Kolisi in this role after impressing there for the Sharks this season, but the value of such as shift is also debatable.

The good news is that there are plenty of talented youngsters coming through, from Phepsi Buthelezi to Celimpilo Gumede, but both of these players seem more comfortable on the flank.

All in all, there are no shortage of solutions, but there can be no denying that Louw and Wiese will be sorely missed this season.

SPRINGBOKS’ 2025 TEST SCHEDULE:

TBC: vs Barbarians, TBC, TBC
5 July: vs Italy, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
12 July: vs Italy, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha
19 July: vs Georgia, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
16 August: vs Australia, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
23 August: vs Australia, DHL Stadium, Cape Town
6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland
13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington
27 September: vs Argentina, Kings Park, Durban
4 October: vs Argentina, London
1 November: vs Wales, Cardiff
8 November: vs France, Paris
15 November: vs Italy, Turin
22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin
*SA Rugby are working on adding two more Tests for the Springboks, likely to be against Japan and Portugal

WHO DO YOU THINK SHOULD SLOT IN AT NO 8?

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/injury-issue-who-will-start-at-no-8-for-springboks/