With a plethora of injuries and an ageing forward pack, the 2025 international season will undoubtedly see some new front row forwards donning the Springbok jersey.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has provided a detailed injury update on his squad ahead of the start of the international season.
The Stormers are anxiously awaiting the outcome of medical scans scheduled for next week that will determine the extent of a back injury sustained by seasoned Springbok tighthead prop Frans Malherbe.
It's rare for a player to represent one team for their entire professional rugby career, especially one that reaches 150 caps as Frans Malherbe is poised to do on Saturday.
Jordan Hendrikse has been called up to replace Frans Malherbe in the Springbok squad for their tour of the UK after it was confirmed that the veteran prop had suffered an ankle injury.
Springbok prop Frans Malherbe made a heartfelt gesture to fellow front-rower Vincent Koch for his 50th cap this weekend.