Adre Smith's addition to the Bok squad is less about plugging holes and more about giving the management flexibility around Lood de Jager's hip surgery recovery. De Jager is back in camp and training after returning to action in Japan, but the Springbok coaches clearly don't want to risk rushing him into full match intensity ahead of the England series opener on July 4. Smith's arrival — following Ruben van Heerden's call-up after Salmaan Moerat was stood down with a neck injury — gives Deon Davids enough lock cover to manage workloads carefully. Davids frames it as depth management rather than crisis response: Van Heerden runs lineouts, Smith brings the grunt of a 4-jersey, and Tshituka adds further cover. The concern is real — losing multiple experienced locks is never ideal — but the coaching staff are presenting it as a structured response to a demanding season ahead.
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.
- Springboks
- Lood de Jager
- Salmaan Moerat
- Deon Davids
- 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.
Why Erasmus chose Norton over Van der Mescht — and what it reveals about Bok lock priorities
Erasmus explains the Norton-over-Van der Mescht call as a tactical fit decision rather than a quality judgment — the piece breaks down the Bok lock crisis and how the coaching staff are navigating it.
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.
Boks remain top but All Blacks close gap to 2.90 points after Nations Championship opener
South Africa stay top of the World Rugby Men's Rankings at 93.94 points but New Zealand have cut the gap to 2.90 after beating France, while Scotland climb to equal their all-time high of fifth following a record 47-38 win over Argentina in Córdoba.
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.