Springbok front row set for new blood in 2025

The front row club is an elite group. They prefer to steer clear of the flashy stuff and ply their trade in the dark rooms of the rucks and scrums. However, the club has been integral to the Boks' success since the dawn of time and there's no sign of that changing.

But Father Time remains undefeated. South Africa's front row stocks are getting on in age, something Bok boss Rassie Erasmus is all too aware of.

Stalwarts Steven Kitshoff, Frans Malherbe and Trevor Nyakane are currently out of the game. Kitshoff has retired due to injury, Malherbe (34) is nursing back issues and won't play in 2025 and Nyakane (36) is recovering from Achilles tendon surgery.

The fit front rowers in Erasmus' squad include Vincent Koch (35) and Bongi Mbonambi (34). If injury-free and in form, the duo should make the 2027 Rugby World Cup squad.

This season - two years out from the RWC - looks to be the perfect time to test new depth in the front row.

Speaking to the press, Erasmus indicated that Bulls behemoth Wilco Louw (30), the in-form Thomas du Toit (30) and the uncapped Neethling Fouche (32) will likely be tested this season.

"Frans is unlikely to play this season again, Trevor definitely not," confirmed the double World Cup-winning coach.

"Neethling is not a boy anymore, around 30 [32], which is a lekker age for a tighthead prop.

"Thomas du Toit is doing well with Bath. He is one of the top players there. Wilco is doing well.

"We are not going to change our game. We want to retain that forward power. There will be new faces in the front row this year."

Other props in the 45-man squad are Lions cult hero Asenathi Ntlabakanye (26), Marnus van der Merwe, Boan Venter (both 28) and the established Ox Nche (29).

Interms of hookers, Malcolm Marx is 30, while Jan-Hendrik Wessels - who can also fill in at loosehead prop - is just 24.

Fans saw the 2024 Boks mix experience and youth to great effect and this season is shaping up to be quite similar.

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