Rassie's Radar | Breaking down the Springboks' left-wing options to back up Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse

The Springboks have established wings who can play on the right and the left without much fuss.

Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, for instance, are comfortable in both the No 11 and No 14 jerseys and have been the preferred pair on the wings after Makazole Mapimpi fell out of favour.

But Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus needs more options, especially as he is looking to keep some of his veterans fresh for next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Here are the four domestic contenders currently lighting up the United Rugby Championship, and a former Springbok Sevens star who is becoming a cult hero in Ireland.

Stravino Jacobs (Bulls)

In Pretoria, Stravino Jacobs has evolved from a raw, bruising runner into a much more refined wing. Standing at 180cm and weighing over 100kg, Jacobs possesses a rare combination of explosive acceleration and immense upper-body strength. His performances in the URC this season have been categorised by an improved defensive read and a much higher work rate. If Erasmus is looking for a direct, physical wing with "soft skills" and the ability to dominate the gain line, Jacobs is a primary candidate.

Leolin Zas (Stormers)

Few players in South Africa possess the predatory instincts of Leolin Zas. After overcoming career-threatening injuries, the Stormers’ talisman has become the most consistent finisher for the Cape side. Zas’s greatest strength is his spatial awareness; he has an uncanny ability to hold his width and pick lines that exploit the smallest defensive fractures. He is also a wonderful kick-chaser, with the ability to time his contests to pluck the ball out of the air and put his team on the front foot.

Jaco Williams (Sharks)

If the Springboks are looking to inject pure, unadulterated pace into their backline, they need look no further than Durban. Jaco Williams is arguably the fastest man in South African rugby. The Junior Springbok star’s ability to turn a half-chance into a seven-pointer was on full display in the recent URC derby against the Stormers on 31 January 2026. Williams capitalised on an error by Warrick Gelant to score a decisive double, demonstrating that even a momentary lapse by a defender is enough for him to pounce.

Richard Kriel (Lions)

Richard Kriel offers a different tactical dimension. Primarily a full-back who has flourished on the wing for the Lions, Kriel brings an all-round game to the party. Standing at 1.94m, his height makes him a formidable target in the cross-field kick department. His background at No 15 makes him a rock under the high ball—a crucial asset in an era where "blockers" are being increasingly punished for obstruction, leaving wings more exposed in aerial contests.

Werner Kok (Ulster, Ireland)

Finally, there is the cult hero in Belfast. Werner Kok’s move to Ulster has not dulled his edge; if anything, playing in the heavy conditions up North has rounded out his game. Kok is perhaps the best defensive winger available to South Africa. His background in Sevens, where he made over 280 appearances, makes him a breakdown menace in wide areas—effectively acting as an extra flanker on the edge. His doggedness and ability to chase lost causes remain hallmarks of his elite work rate.