Five Springboks Hoping to Seize the Moment in Autumn Series Tour
The South African rugby team will embark on a European tour in November, playing five matches that will give coach Rassie Erasmus valuable opportunities to evaluate his squad and refine his strategies ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Ben-Jason Dixon is a 27-year-old Stormers flanker who can also play in the second row...
The Springboks are set to face Japan at Wembley Stadium in London on November 1, kicking off their European tour. This series provides coach Rassie Erasmus with a valuable opportunity to evaluate his players and refine his strategy ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
As the Springboks take on top-tier teams, five players are vying for their chance to shine. With injuries and form influencing team selection, players like Ben-Jason Dixon, Ethan Hooker, and Zachary Porthen are eager to prove themselves. The tour will feature matches against Japan, France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales, giving the Springboks a chance to test their skills against diverse opponents.
The Springboks' European tour kicks off with a clash against Italy in Turin on November 15, followed by a highly anticipated match against Ireland in Dublin on November 22, and wraps up with a showdown against Wales in Cardiff a week later. Coach Rassie Erasmus has announced his squad for the tour, making some unexpected choices by giving opportunities to players who were either not part of the team this season or have been returning from long-term injuries.
Here are five players to watch out for, some of whom have already played for the Springboks this year, while others will be donning the jersey for the first time. One such player is Zachary Porthen, the former Junior Springbok prop and captain, who has earned his first Springbok call-up. Other notable inclusions are Ben-Jason Dixon, Johan Grobbelaar, and Gerhard Steenekamp, who will make their seasonal debuts.
Congrats to our players who will be going on tour with the Springboks next month. #inittogether pic.twitter.com/ZyqCLFIdUZ
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) October 20, 2025
Ben-Jason Dixon Profile
Ben-Jason Dixon is a 27-year-old Stormers flanker who can also play in the second row. He's a consistent performer in the United Rugby Championship, impressing coach Rassie Erasmus with his mobility and work-rate. Dixon has five caps, earned in 2024, and is looking to add more to his tally. Although he showed some growing pains in his debut season, Erasmus sees potential in him.
Key attributes include:
- Breakdown Work: Strong performance in the breakdown
- Defence: Solid defensive skills
- Mobility: Quick movement around the field
- Work-Rate: High energy and intensity during games
Ethan Hooker's Potential Role in the Springboks
Ethan Hooker has showcased his skills on the wing during Kurt-Lee Arendse's absence in the Rugby Championship, impressing with his powerful running, high-ball skills, and speed. With Arendse expected to reclaim his spot for upcoming matches in Paris and Dublin, Hooker's utilization on the tour will be intriguing. Many see Hooker as a potential outside centre in the long term, and his size could be a significant advantage in the wide channels.
Zachary Porthen's Opportunity
Zachary Porthen, a prop with former Junior Springbok captaincy experience, has been given a chance in the Springbok squad despite limited Stormers experience. Erasmus' decision to include him suggests he sees potential in the player. With upcoming matches against Japan, Italy, and Wales, Porthen will have the opportunity to showcase his skills against teams with less formidable scrums. Notably, he is the only uncapped member of the squad.
Gerhard Steenekamp's Return
Gerhard Steenekamp, a talented loosehead prop, has been included in the Springbok squad after recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him since March. A regular starter last year, Steenekamp is known for his exceptional scrummaging skills and has proven himself as one of the best in the country. At 28, he'll provide valuable backup to Ox Nche on the tour.
Edwill van der Merwe's Versatility
Edwill van der Merwe is a dynamic back who shares similarities with Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse - quick, fierce tacklers despite their smaller stature. Primarily a winger, Van der Merwe has also played fullback for the Sharks this season. With limited specialist fullbacks in the squad, his versatility makes him a valuable asset.
Tighthead props on Bok EOYT: Wilco Louw, Thomas du Toit, Zachary Porthen
— Front Row Grunt (@FrontRowGrunt) October 20, 2025
Looseheads: Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp, Boan Venter
Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar, Malcolm Marx, Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Front rowers on standby: Neethling Fouche, Bongi Mbonambi, Asenathi Ntlabakanye
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