Rassie Erasmus Faces Another Springbok Selection Headache Before Italy Test
- Cameron Hanekom's early departure from the Bulls' latest URC match has raised questions about his availability for the Springboks
- Johan Ackermann has provided an update on the loose forward's condition ahead of Rassie Erasmus' team announcement
- The 24-year-old has become an increasingly important option for the Springboks during the 2026 international season
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Getty Images
South Africa could face an injury concern ahead of their opening Nations Championship encounter against Italy, with Cameron Hanekom struggling with a lower back problem. The Springbok loose forward was substituted at half-time during the Bulls' 54-26 victory over the Scarlets on Saturday, 31 October 2026.
The development comes just days before the Springboks begin their November campaign. Coach Rassie Erasmus is expected to announce his starting line-up on Monday, 2 November.
Johan Ackermann explains Cameron Hanekom's injury
Bulls coach Johan Ackermann confirmed that Hanekom had been experiencing discomfort in his lower back during the first half at Loftus Versfeld.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
Speaking after the match, Ackermann said the coaching staff let the 24-year-old continue until the interval before deciding not to risk further injury.
"He struggled a little bit with his lower back quite early in the game, and we asked him to push until half-time," Ackermann told reporters, according to SABC Sport.
"Credit to him for hanging in there; he got to half-time, and then the medical staff wanted to treat him, and I just felt we didn't need to risk that."
He added:
"We've got Marcell, so let's make it a straight swap, just to protect him as well. He's fine, but he was battling with his lower back."
Hanekom was replaced by Marcell Coetzee, who scored twice in the Bulls' victory.
Springboks face important selection decision
Hanekom's fitness will be closely watched as the Springboks prepare to face Italy on Saturday, 7 November, in Turin.
The forward has established himself in the national set-up after missing the 2025 international season through injury. He featured against England and Argentina this year and also scored during the final Test of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand in Baltimore.
He is among seven Bulls players selected in Erasmus' 37-man November squad.
Source: Getty Images
Bulls players' return and URC preparations
Ackermann also discussed the availability of his seven Springbok selections when the United Rugby Championship resumes in December.
The Bulls coach indicated that their involvement against the Lions on 5 December would depend on their international workload, fitness and recovery.
If South Africa reach the Nations Championship final weekend, the players could return later than initially expected.
For now, Hanekom's immediate fitness remains an important consideration as the Springboks prepare for their European assignments.
Jean de Villiers previously questioned Rassie's Cameron Hanekom omission
Briefly News previously reported that Springbok legend Jean de Villiers was surprised when Rassie Erasmus left Cameron Hanekom out of the match-day 23 for the Wallabies Test in Perth on 27 September 2026.
Former Springbok Schalk Burger also praised Hanekom's performances, describing him as "a proper player". The latest injury concern involving the Bulls loose forward adds another dimension to the Springboks' preparations for their November campaign.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
