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With Wessels out, Erasmus must look to next generation of Boks
Cape Times
|October 24, 2025
THE Springboks will have plenty of options at their disposal to replace Jan-Hendrik Wessels after the utility front-rower received a lengthy suspension yesterday.
With confirmation of his nine-week ban for grabbing a Connacht player in the genital area during the Bulls’ 28-27 win in Galway confirmed, head coach Rassie Erasmus should have several players ready to step into the Bok touring squad. The Bulls are expected to appeal the sanction laid down by the United Rugby Championship (URC). Unlike the suspension of Sharks winger Makazole Mapimpi — who was on standby for the national side — Wessels’ sanction will likely force Erasmus to select another hooker. The Boks are relatively well covered at loosehead with the return to fitness of Gerhard Steenekamp, while Thomas du Toit is able to scrum on both sides.
This story is from the October 24, 2025 edition of Cape Times.
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