The piece argues that the Springboks' lock resourcing moves are more strategic than reactive. Lood de Jager's return from hip surgery is the central concern — he's back in camp but management are clearly reluctant to expose him to full match intensity with the July Tests approaching. Adre Smith's addition effectively gives the coaching staff a buffer, allowing De Jager's build-up to be managed carefully rather than rushed into the England series opener on July 4. The Moerat injury (neck) forced Ruben van Heerden's call-up earlier, and Deon Davids has been candid about how the two new locks are being profiled differently — Van Heerden as a lineout operator, Smith as a physical No.4 presence. Davids also flagged Tshituka as lock cover, meaning the Boks believe they have functional depth across both positions. The broader framing from Erasmus's camp is that adversity in the tight five is now treated as a depth-building exercise rather than a crisis.
Smith and Van Heerden additions are about managing De Jager, not just plugging gaps
The Smith and Van Heerden call-ups are primarily about protecting De Jager's return from hip surgery ahead of the England Tests — Davids has outlined clear role distinctions for both new locks, and the piece frames the resourcing decisions as deliberate load management rather than injury panic.
- Springboks
- Lood de Jager
- Salmaan Moerat
- Deon Davids
- Rassie Erasmus
- England
Smith called up as Boks manage De Jager's return to full fitness
Stormers lock Adre Smith has been added to the Springbok squad primarily to allow Lood de Jager, returning from hip surgery, to build match fitness gradually ahead of the England Tests, with assistant coach Deon Davids confirming the lock depth has become a squad-planning priority following Salmaan Moerat's release through injury.
Rassie on Alles Ep 1 | The Barbarians in the Bay
The #Springboks kick off their season against the Barbarians in Gqeberha, a place close to the hearts of Rassie Erasmus, Mzwandile Stick, and Deon Davids. The three Bok coaches discuss why it's special to return to the Eastern Cape and what
Smith's call-up is really about managing De Jager's return
Smith's Bok call-up is primarily about protecting De Jager's return from hip surgery, with the coaching staff building enough lock cover to avoid rushing him into the England series before he's ready.
Halftime flashbacks and World Cup depth: Rassie's takeaways from the England win
Erasmus drew a direct line between last year's Australia collapse and his halftime intervention against England, while framing the 45-21 win — achieved with an underdone, reshaped side — as evidence his depth-building plan is on track for 2027.
Rassie's Bomb Squad reset: Who fills the Snyman and Smith void?
Cardinelli breaks down how the enforced absences of Snyman and Smith force Erasmus to reimagine the Bomb Squad, with Paul de Villiers earmarked for a key role and the flyhalf pecking order wide open heading into the Nations Championship.