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Can URC stars displace Boks’ veterans in the No 5 jersey?
Cape Argus
|February 18, 2026
IN THE traditional architecture of a Springboks’ pack, the No 5 lock is the man who runs “engine room’, the lineout general responsible for clinical tactical execution and the man who needs to get around the park to carry and clean.
THE Stormers' JD Schickerling, left, and Bulls counterpart Ruan Nortje competes in the lineout during an United Rugby Championship match.
(BackpagePix)
South Africa have always been blessed with world-class operators in the lock department, but some of the stalwarts playing overseas are coming towards the end of their illustrious careers.
As the 2026 international season approaches, Rassie Erasmus faces a compelling dilemma: will he persist with the battle-hardened veterans playing in Japan or give more opportunities to those playing in the United Rugby Championship (URC)?
In this instalment of Rassie’s Radar, we take a look at the options in the No 5 jersey.
This story is from the February 18, 2026 edition of Cape Argus.
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