Rassie Erasmus Set to Unleash Giant No. 8 for Springboks Against Argentina
- André Esterhuizen is among several Springboks training at No 8 ahead of Saturday's Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires
- Jasper Wiese, who started three Tests in 2025, was left out of the 26-man squad for the trip to South America next weekend
- Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus shared his unconventional view on what the No 8 role actually requires in modern rugby
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that André Esterhuizen is among five players being prepared to fill the No 8 role as the world champions head to Buenos Aires for a Test against Argentina on Saturday.
Source: Getty Images
The 32-year-old Esterhuizen, predominantly known as a centre and flanker, was named in the 26-man Bok squad alongside fellow Sharks player Ethan Hooker. Jasper Wiese, who started three of South Africa's four Tests in 2025, was not selected for the trip.
Who are the back-up No 8 options?
Addressing the absence of both Wiese and the injured Kwagga Smith, Erasmus outlined a broad pool of players capable of covering the position.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
"We have several players. Paul de Villiers practises a lot at 8; André Esterhuizen practises a lot at 8," the Bok coach said.
"Cameron Hanekom and Elrigh Louw practise at 8, Marco van Staden too. Marco came on in the last game against Wales for Jasper and played 8."
Erasmus redefines what the No 8 role demands
Erasmus has explained why he believes the traditional expectations of a No. 8 no longer apply in the modern game, insisting the role is far more flexible than many supporters think.
Erasmus said the only time a player is truly a No. 8 is during the scrum, arguing that the jersey number matters far less once play opens up. In his view, the balance of the loose-forward trio is more important than assigning rigid positional responsibilities.
He also dismissed the idea that the No. 8 must always be a lineout option. According to Erasmus, if both flankers are strong aerial targets, there is no need for the player at the back of the scrum to fill that role, as lineout responsibilities can be shared across the pack.
The Springbok coach further stressed that the differences between the No. 6 and No. 8 positions are minimal when the players complement one another. He explained that his selection philosophy focuses on finding the right blend of physicality, ball-carrying ability and work around the field, regardless of whether a player wears the No. 6, No. 7 or No. 8 jersey.
Erasmus also clarified Ethan Hooker's role in the matchday squad, revealing that the versatile back has been included as cover for inside centre, outside centre and wing should injuries force changes during the Test.
South Africa's clash with Argentina forms part of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series, with the Springboks looking to continue their fierce contest against Los Pumas.
Springboks star ruled out of the season
Briefly News also reported that a Springboks star has suffered a season-ending injury, which means he is set to be out for a long period in 2026.
The South African rugby star's injury is bad news for both his club and the Springboks, as he's now expected to undergo surgery in a few days.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
