3. Embrose Papier (Bulls)
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.
2. Vincent Koch (Sharks)
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.
1. Faf de Klerk (Cheetahs)
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.
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