Springboks Hookers: First-choice, bomb squad and likely dropped

In part two we look at the Springboks number 2’s – the favourites to start and make the bomb squad.

Mission three-peat is the agenda for the Springboks, Rassie Erasmus and SA Rugby. Meaning, the Boks are determined to make history as the first-ever rugby team to win three Rugby World Cups in a row.

Therefore, with this goal in mind Rassie is building squad balance and depth in every position. So, who are the favorites to wear the number 2 (starting hooker berth) and 16 (bomb squad) jerseys respectively?

SPRINGBOKS SELECTION ORDER: PROPS PROPELLED INTO FIRST-CHOICE, NEW BOMB SQUAD

TWO FAVOURITES HOOKED IN BOKS SUCCUSS

Bongi Mbonambi and Malcolm Marx are the prime established Springboks hookers. Moreover, both players have been utilized successfully as starters throughout the past 7+ years of SA Rugby.

Meaning, the starting berth will come down to Rassies’s tactical – and unpredictable approach. Despite, playing off the bomb squad, Marx was named in the World Rugby Team of the Year for 2024.

BIG BOK READ: ETZEBETHS CAREER, KOLISI AND POLLARD LINKED WITH HUGE MOVES!

Meanwhile, Bongi is one of the favourites to take over the Springboks captaincy from Siya Kolisi after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

SA Rugby iss privileged enough to have either man start in any big game.

BOMB SQUAD HONOURS

Marx is arguably, if not, the best reserve player in World Rugby. As mentioned, he was named as the best hooker in the world despite not stating half of the tests.

Therefore, he is likely to be utilized off the bench with a 35 minute cameo against warn out defenders. He is best utilized as an impact player with Bongi emptying the tank upfront on defence.

Thereafter, Marx can win decisive turn overs, open up the game with explosive impact as he leads the bomb squad from the front.

WHICH HOOKERS WILL START AND WHO WILL MISS OUT?

Johan Grobelaar and Jan-Hendrik Wessels are the players being moulded into the Bok mix.

Meanwhile, Joseph Dweba is determined to return to the green and gold. Grobelaar has been in exceptional form for the Bulls in the URC but he has not out in any stand-out performances in the green and gold to date. Whilst, Wessels offers himself as a prop and hooker option which could open up other spots in the squad if Rassie opts to select him.

Therefore, Marx and Bongi will certainly be on the plane to the USA. Meanwhile, Grobelaar, Wessels and Dweba will play their hearts out to earn that third berth – if Rassie opts for a third hooker. Remember, he only chose two hookers during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. However, that is because Deon Fourie offered himself as a third choice. So, with Fourie unlikely to be in the 2027 RWC squad (due to his age), these men all have a very real chance.

WHO SHOULD START FOR THE SPRINGBOKS IN THE NUMBER TWO JERSEY AND WHO SHOULD BE ON THE COVETED BOMB SQUAD BENCH? WHO SHOULD THE THIRD HOOKER BE?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.