Rassie’s Radar | Can URC stars displace Springboks' veterans in the No 5 jersey?

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.

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.

Ruan Nortje (Bulls)

If there is a frontrunner to inherit the No 5 jersey full-time, it is the Bulls’ hardman. Over the last two years, following a series of injury crises in the squad, Nortje has transitioned from a provincial workhorse to a top-tier Test operator. Nortje possesses a massive engine, and his relentless work rate around the park has made him one of the most consistent performers in the world.

JD Schickerling and Ruben van Heerden (Stormers)

Schickerling has had his fair share of injury setbacks since returning from Japan, but at his best, his mobility and soft hands make him a perfect foil next to a No 4 bruiser. Van Heerden, on the other hand, also has a massive engine and brings a lot of physicality to the position. He notably impressed against the Springboks while playing for the Barbarians last year and has become a vital cog in the Stormers' set-piece.

Emile van Heerden (Sharks)

Van Heerden, son of former Springbok Fritz, has begun to fulfil his immense potential in Durban. He has established himself as the Sharks' main No 5 lock, leading the URC statistics in line-out steals. While perhaps less physically imposing than some of his peers, his natural aerial ability and timing are exactly the traits that grab Erasmus’ attention.

Reinhard Nothnagel (Lions)

Often underrated but consistently effective, the Lions’ lock possesses a high rugby IQ and the ability to put immense pressure on the opposition at line-out time. His work around the park has been exceptional this season, and he has flourished in a leadership role. Another strong outing against a Springbok-laden Sharks team could firmly place him on the national radar.

Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager (Japan)

For nearly a decade, Mostert and De Jager have been pillars of strength in the Springboks’ second row. However, age and attrition are starting to show.

Mostert, for so long the "Duracell bunny" of the pack, has seen his position challenged by the rising form of Nortje. While the work-rate is still there, Mostert has been lacking a bit of sting in the carry over the last couple of years.

De Jager will be hoping to string a few Test matches together after missing significant periods of rugby through injury. He is currently recovering from hip surgery and will be eager to return to the form that arguably made him the premier No 5 lock in world rugby, especially after his 2025 season was cut short by a suspension following a red card against France.