“Shock Return” – Faf de Klerk set for stunning Springboks recall

The Springboks are preparing for four Tests against New Zealand, however, there are still several experienced players who could arguably further strengthen the world champions for the series.

Some have been placed on standby, while others were released or overlooked as Erasmus continues to balance experience with the development of his next generation.

Here are five players who could still force their way back into the Springboks picture.

Bongi Mbonambi is not completely out of the picture, but the veteran hooker currently finds himself on standby rather than among the core group being used for the upcoming Test programme. That is particularly notable given that he recently captained South Africa against Argentina, showing that Erasmus still trusts his experience.

The 34-year-old remains an obvious option if Erasmus wants additional experience at hooker against New Zealand. South Africa are renowned for their dominant set piece, and a front row featuring Mbonambi alongside Thomas du Toit Ox Nche would provide an imposing combination of power, experience and physicality.

Mbonambi has also played numerous Tests against the All Blacks and understands the demands of the rivalry. With New Zealand boasting experienced options such as Codie Taylor, his familiarity with Test rugby could prove invaluable. With Erasmus continuing to manage his squad and assess his options at hooker, Mbonambi's standby status means the door is far from closed.

Makazole Mapimpi's omission is perhaps one of the clearest examples of the strength of competition in the Springboks' outside backs. The veteran winger was part of Erasmus' wider plans earlier in the year, but the emergence and continued selection of players such as Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie has made it increasingly difficult for the 47-cap World Cup winner to force his way into the matchday group.

That does not mean Mapimpi has lost his ability to make an impact. He remains one of South Africa's most experienced finishers and has scored 33 Test tries. His pace, finishing ability and experience in high-pressure matches could make him a valuable option against New Zealand.

At 36, Mapimpi is no longer being viewed as the future of the Springboks' backline, but that could make his experience even more valuable in a four-Test series. A back three containing Mapimpi alongside Kolbe and Damian Willemse would give Erasmus a mixture of speed, kicking ability, experience and attacking instinct.

Embrose Papier is another player who has found himself on the outside looking in despite recently returning to the international setup. The Bulls scrumhalf ended an eight-year Test absence when he started against Scotland in July, but Erasmus subsequently released him from the squad as he opted to retain other scrumhalf options including Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, Morne van den Berg and Herschel Jantjies.

That omission should not necessarily be viewed as the end of Papier's Springbok ambitions. The 28-year-old has enjoyed an incredible 2025/26 URC season with the Bulls and remains one of the leading scrumhalves in South African rugby. He gets his chance to face the All Blacks this weekend on Bulls duty, and a stand-out performance could propel him back into the green and gold mix.

With the Springboks possessing several options at nine, Papier faces a difficult battle for selection. But his recent return to the international fold shows that Erasmus has not forgotten about him.

Vincent Koch was another experienced front-rower to miss out when Erasmus named his wider Springboks squad, with Rassie choosing to explore younger options and build depth ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The omission was significant given Koch's pedigree. The veteran prop has previously been an important part of the Springboks' squad and remains capable of providing immense value at scrum time.

He also had a chance to remind Erasmus of his qualities during the All Blacks' tour of South Africa, although his performance for the Sharks in Tuesday's 54-0 defeat was not enough to make a compelling case for an immediate recall. Nevertheless, Koch's experience against elite opposition cannot simply be dismissed.

South Africa's scrum is one of their greatest weapons, and a player with Koch's understanding of the set piece could still have a role to play if Erasmus needs additional experience or encounters injuries during the four-Test series. His omission appears to be more about Erasmus' wider selection strategy than the end of Koch's international career.

Few omissions attracted more attention than that of Faf de Klerk. The veteran scrumhalf has been a central figure in South Africa's golden era, playing key roles in both of the Springboks' recent Rugby World Cup triumphs. His absence from the current squad is part of Erasmus' broader approach of testing younger options and managing his veteran players rather than an indication that the door has been permanently closed.

De Klerk has now returned from Japan to South Africa with the Toyota Cheetahs in the Currie Cup after his spell with Yokohama Canon Eagles, giving him another opportunity to demonstrate his form at domestic level. The Cheetahs confirmed his arrival on a two-year deal earlier this year.

His experience could still prove invaluable against New Zealand. De Klerk's tactical kicking, speed of service and ability to inject energy into a game make him different from the other scrumhalf options available to Erasmus. He also has an enormous amount of experience in pressure matches against the All Blacks.

With Erasmus deliberately casting his selection net wide, De Klerk's omission is not necessarily permanent. If he continues to impress for the Cheetahs, the Springboks may yet have reason to bring one of their most experienced operators back into the fold.