As South Africa gears up for the final two Rugby Championship matches, coach Rassie Erasmus has unveiled a 33-man squad.
The big talking point? Veteran fullback Willie le Roux has been dropped entirely.
At 36, the double World Cup winner will not be joining the team ahead of Tests against Argentina in Durban on 27 September and in London on 4 October.
This exclusion isn’t due to injury, signaling that Erasmus is gradually moving on from one of South Africa’s most experienced players.
Backing the Next Generation
Le Roux’s omission reflects Erasmus’s strategy to prioritize younger talent and fresh combinations as the Springboks aim to finish the Rugby Championship strongly.
With the squad heading into a crucial fortnight, the focus is on versatility and form.
In recent matches, Damian Willemse and Aphelele Fassi impressed at fullback, particularly in South Africa’s 43-10 victory over the All Blacks in Wellington.
Meanwhile, players like Canan Moodie, Cheslin Kolbe, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu provide flexibility across the backline, giving Erasmus confidence in newer options.
Commenting on the selection, Erasmus said, “This group of players have been together for over 13 weeks now… and we are confident these are the players who give us the best shot to try to retain the title.”
The End of an Era for Le Roux?
Willie le Roux has been a stalwart of South African rugby since his debut in 2013, earning 101 Test caps, scoring 15 tries, and contributing to both the 2019 and 2023 World Cup victories.
Known for his tactical kicking, playmaking from the back, and versatility on the wing, his experience has been invaluable.
However, his recent struggles, including a challenging outing against the All Blacks at Eden Park and omission from the match-day squad in Wellington, suggest that the Springboks are looking to the future.
Although he remains fit, younger players are now preferred as Erasmus shapes the team for the next World Cup cycle.
Experienced Leaders Still in the Mix
The squad still features seasoned campaigners like Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, and Bongi Mbonambi, but Le Roux’s absence is the clearest indicator that a new chapter is beginning in the Springbok backline.
Other players, such as Lood de Jager, Jean-Luc du Preez, and Aphelele Fassi, missed out due to fitness concerns, making Le Roux’s exclusion all the more telling.
Looking Ahead to the Rugby Championship Finale
With the Rugby Championship tightly contested—only two log points separate the four teams—Erasmus has prioritized current form and versatility over experience.
Whether Le Roux will feature in future plans beyond this tournament remains uncertain.
For now, his omission marks the closing of a significant chapter in South African rugby and potentially the twilight of one of the nation’s most decorated careers.