South Africa to further display strength in depth against Wales

A 45-21 triumph over Steve Borthwick’s England served as a reminder that South Africa remain among the favourites heading towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Their victory in Johannesburg two weeks ago also showcased the remarkable strength in depth of the reigning world champions, who were forced to cope without lock Eben Etzebeth and flanker Siya Kolisi after both were ruled out before kick-off.

South Africa then made 10 changes to their side for their 42-28 victory over Scotland in Pretoria.

Ahead of their final fixture of the opening block of the Nations Championship against Wales, Rassie Erasmus has named four uncapped players in his matchday squad.

So, what do we know about the players in line to earn their first Springbok caps and does it, once again, show South Africa's strength in depth?

Talented duo set for debut in backfield while experienced forwards gain first caps

In 2025, the Springboks used 50 players during a year in which they won The Rugby Championship and completed an autumn clean sweep with victories over Japan, France, Ireland and a 73-0 demolition of Wales.

There was, however, a caveat to that win at the Principality Stadium, with Wales missing several key players because the match was played outside the international window.

Nevertheless, over the past 12 months, South Africa have continued to broaden their player pool, handing debuts to the likes of lock Cobus Wiese, powerful wing Ethan Hooker and young prop Zackary Porthen.

Despite the emergence of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and the return of Manie Libbok to the international fold, Erasmus has now handed a first Test start to Sharks fly-half Vusi Moyo.

The 20-year-old played a key role for South Africa Under-20s last year, starting seven of their eight matches across the U20 Rugby Championship and U20 World Championship.

Moyo made his URC debut for the Sharks in a try-scoring performance against Zebre Parma in the final round of the season, evading two defenders before scoring from close range.

He also featured off the bench for South Africa in their victory over the Barbarians in June.

On the wing, 20-year-old Jaco Williams is also in line for his first cap after making his Sharks debut in the URC in January 2025.

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Williams scored three tries in four starts during last year's U20 World Championship before returning to the Sharks this season, where he crossed three times in two victories over the Stormers.

He rounded off his campaign with another try against Zebre Parma and has already gained valuable experience at both wing and full-back.

Williams also represented South Africa A against Zimbabwe and marked the occasion with a try.

Up front, injuries to Etzebeth, RG Snyman and Franco Mostert have created an opportunity for 28-year-old Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden.

Van Heerden has been a regular for John Dobson's side since returning to South Africa from Gallagher Prem club Exeter Chiefs in 2023.

Meanwhile, in the front row, 29-year-old Carlu Sadie is also in line to make his Springbok debut.

After spells with the Stormers, Lions, Stade Français and the Sharks, Sadie earned a move to Top 14 champions Bordeaux-Bègles.

He has since become a key member of Yannick Bru's squad, starting 48 of his 69 appearances for the French club, including their recent Investec Champions Cup final victory over Leinster.

Attempting to add layers following World Cup successes

When the Springboks secured back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023, the majority of their work came from having a powerful and dominant pack, a defence that was unwilling to crack and a focus on tactical kicking. 

Since former Highlanders coach Tony Brown was appointed as assistant in 2024, there has been plenty of work going on to ensure that the South African attack reaches a new level. 

While their forward power remains central to their identity, there is now a greater focus on decision-making from the half-back pairing and creating the time and space needed to release dangerous runners such as Cheslin Kolbe.

One example came against Gregor Townsend's Scotland last weekend. After patiently building phases, scrum-half Embrose Papier spotted space around the fringes of the defence and broke through to score the opening try.

Another came against England when, following Ox Nche’s break in midfield, two looping passes from scrum-half Grant Williams and centre Damien De Allende found Kolbe who finished the score with ease. 

Later in that match, the Springboks again showed their willingness to attack from close range. Rather than relying solely on their forwards from five metres out, Libbok threw a miss pass to full-back Damian Willemse, who beat Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on the outside before putting Kurt-Lee Arendse one-on-one with Marcus Smith, with the winger finishing clinically.

If Wales are to take anything from this weekend's contest in Durban, they will need to find a way to contain South Africa's increasingly dangerous backline while also matching their traditional power up front.

South Africa team to play Wales: 15: Aphelele Fassi, 14: Jaco Williams, 13: Jesse Kriel, 12: Damian de Allende, 11: Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10: Vusi Moyo, 9: Cobus Reinach, 8: Jasper Wiese, 7: Pieter-Steph du Toit (captain), 6: Paul de Villiers 5: Ruben van Heerden, 4: Cobus Wiese, 3: Carlu Sadie, 2: Malcolm Marx, 1: Gerhard Steenekam.

Replacements: 16: Andre-Hugo Venter, 17: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18: Wilco Louw, 19: Ben-Jason Dixon, 20: Marco van Staden, 21: Herschel Jantjies, 22: Manie Libbok, 23: Damian Willemse