Bok Forward Battle

Front Row: Time for Fringe Props, Hookers to Put Up Their Hands

- Ross Roche

The Springboks will unleash a number of new front row men in the coming season as the double world champions look to build depth ahead of the next World Cup in Australia in 2027.

Injuries, retirements and age mean that a large contingent of Bok front row heroes from the past two World Cup wins will likely be on their way out, opening the door for some exciting new talent to step into the breach.

The biggest loss will be Steven Kitshoff, who has had to retire due to a serious neck injury, while his long-term Stormers and Bok front row partner Frans Malherbe has question marks hanging over his career due to neck and back injuries.

And, another veteran, Sharks prop Trevor Nyakane, who has also been plagued by various injuries, looks like he won't feature for the Boks at all this year.