Rassie Erasmus has clarified comments made at Monday's team announcement press conference that suggested Frans Malherbe could return to play in January 2027, stressing the timeline is contingent on the veteran tighthead prop overcoming ongoing setbacks.
Erasmus's original remarks came in response to a question from the French press about whether France's injury toll made the Springboks favourites for Friday's Nations Championship clash in Paris. In listing his own absentees — RG Snyman, Kwagga Smith, Andre Esterhuizen, Handre Pollard and Cheslin Kolbe among them — he mentioned that Malherbe, sidelined for roughly two years with back and neck trouble, was targeting a return in January with an eye on the 2027 World Cup.
Speaking to Rugby365 from the team hotel in Paris, Erasmus was at pains to temper expectations. "I'm saying that with the hope that he'll be available, because he had some setbacks, but he's trying really hard to get back to playing," he said. "He's training hard with the Stormers and got into some contact training as well."
Erasmus deferred to Stormers head coach John Dobson for a definitive update on Malherbe's condition, while confirming the Springbok medical team maintains regular contact. "A body like that who rests for two years and if he comes right, he'll be a weapon," he added. "But you never know with back and neck injuries."
He drew a parallel with lock Salmaan Moerat, who is managing the after-effects of neck surgery compounded by a subsequent back issue, but said Moerat is tracking well for next weekend's Test against Ireland in Dublin.
On the broader squad picture, Erasmus was encouraged that the Boks came through the Italy victory without match-day casualties — something he described as a rare occurrence this deep into the season. Eben Etzebeth joined the squad on Monday morning after flying in overnight; Erasmus confirmed he will not be risked against France but should be available for selection against Ireland. Pollard is also expected to travel to Dublin next week, with Erasmus noting he could arrive earlier if a backline injury occurs on Friday.
"If we don't get any injuries this weekend, we'll probably have a 37-man squad that's fit and healthy," Erasmus said.