Rassie Erasmus, Johan Ackermann back Marco van Staden for hybrid role

The 30-year-old Bulls loose forward, who has earned 33 Test caps, has increasingly been used as emergency hooker cover - a role that is now a key part of the Springboks' long-term plans.

Van Staden has been training regularly at hooker during Springbok camps, working closely with scrum coach Daan Human on scrummaging and throw-ins.

"A hooker really just has to be able to scrum. That's the big thing," Erasmus said at the Boks' 2026 alignment camp in Cape Town. "Marco's energy levels and general game often go unnoticed, but they make him well suited to the role."

His adaptability has been a key asset for both the Springboks and the Bulls. With Akker van der Merwe sidelined, Ackermann noted: "It's great to have Marco as a third hooker alongside Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Johan Grobbelaar.

"You can bench him and send him on as a flanker if your starting hooker is playing well, or he can go on as a hooker if needed."

Erasmus acknowledges the risk of using Van Staden in this hybrid role.

"It might backfire, and if it doesn't work, we'll have to make another plan," he said. "But Marco is one of the fittest guys in the team. He might play 60 minutes at No 8 and 20 at hooker. He's worked hard on his throwing and scrummaging. He'll make a few mistakes, but we want to see if he can handle it."

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