Nick Mallett Questions Rassie Erasmus’ Springbok Selection Ahead of November Tests
- The Springboks have a selection headache brewing in a specialist position ahead of their November internationals
- Jan-Hendrik Wessels has an opportunity to establish himself, but a former Bok coach wants another option available
- Bongi Mbonambi’s return to the Stormers could give Rassie Erasmus an important boost
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Nick Mallett has questioned the Springboks’ decision to include only two specialist hookers in their 37-man squad for the November Nations Championship fixtures. The former national coach believes the lack of cover could become a serious problem if injuries strike during the European tour.
Rassie Erasmus selected Malcolm Marx and Jan-Hendrik Wessels for the position, with Marco van Staden included among the utility forwards. Mallett is particularly pleased that Wessels is being given an opportunity to concentrate on hooker rather than continuing to divide his time between the position and loosehead prop.
However, the selection has raised questions about the depth available should either player become unavailable.
Nick Mallett questions Springboks' hooker depth
Mallett believes Wessels has the potential to become an outstanding hooker, even comparing his prospects to Marx's. However, he wants the 25-year-old to gain more experience in the scrum and lineouts.
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Speaking on the Talking Boks podcast, Mallett explained why he welcomed the positional change.
"I'm very happy to see Jan-Hendrik Wessels being picked as a hooker and not as a hybrid loosehead because we've got great looseheads out there," he said, according to SA Rugby Magazine.
He identified Ox Nché, Ntuthuko Mchunu and Gerhard Steenekamp as established options at loosehead prop.
"Jan-Hendrik could be a remarkable hooker in the same vein as Malcolm Marx," Mallett added.
Nick Mallett warns about Springboks' hooker cover
Despite his confidence in Wessels, Mallett questioned why Erasmus had not selected a third specialist hooker.
He pointed to the DHL Stormers' injury problems against the Scarlets the previous weekend. André-Hugo Venter, Deon Fourie and Lukhanyo Vokozela all suffered injuries, leaving the Cape side without specialist hookers.
The situation resulted in uncontested scrums, while flanker Paul de Villiers had to take responsibility for throwing the ball into the lineouts.
Mallett believes similar circumstances could seriously affect the Springboks.
"It'll be damaging to the Springboks if we had to go to uncontested scrums," he warned.
"Our driving maul is a very, very strong point in our game."
Bongi Mbonambi's return offers Rassie Erasmus another option
The Springboks have some encouraging news: double Rugby World Cup winner Bongi Mbonambi is returning to the Stormers.
The 35-year-old has signed a one-year contract and is included on the bench for Saturday's (31 October) United Rugby Championship encounter against Ulster.
Mallett believes his availability could prove important if the Springboks experience injuries during their November campaign.
"I can't see them not bringing in a specialist hooker," he said.
With matches against Italy, France and Ireland approaching, Erasmus will need sufficient cover in every specialist position. Mbonambi's return gives the Springbok coach an experienced option to consider should circumstances demand it.
Source: Getty Images
Malcolm Marx's return to South Africa adds another twist
Briefly News also reported that Malcolm Marx will leave Japanese club Kubota Spears after the 2026/27 season and return to South Africa.
The 32-year-old hooker confirmed on Friday, 30 October 2026, that family circumstances influenced his decision not to renew his contract after six years in Japan.
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Source: Briefly News
