Following the conclusion of the Springboks’ 2025 international season, we rated every single player that Rassie Erasmus selected this year out of 10.
We start off with the forwards, who were central to South Africa’s success this year, with Erasmus’ charges winning 13 of their 15 Test matches.
The usual suspects shone in Green and Gold, but there was a lack of discipline with four red cards, two of which were for frankly stupid acts and resulted in bans. The Springboks flexed their scrummaging dominance this year, with the props faring well while Erasmus explored his depth at hooker.
All in all, 50 players represented the Boks in 2025. Here’s how we rated the 31 forwards.
Loose forwards
Ben-Jason Dixon: After appearing in five Tests last year, Dixon spent most of the 2025 international season on the sidelines due to injury. Finally claimed his sixth cap against Italy, but his appearance was cruelly cut short after Franco Mostert’s red card. He came off the bench in the hammering of Wales and put in a tidy shift. 5
Evan Roos: Limited to just 24 minutes in the Green and Gold jersey despite the setbacks in the number eight jersey. Erasmus had to take to X to defend his decision to snub the loose forward as he continued to shine for the Stormers, but Roos wasn’t rewarded with a recall. He put in a solid shift versus Italy as South Africa dominated possession, but it was hardly compelling. 5
Jasper Wiese: His brain explosion and headbutt against Italy in Gqeberha is a massive blight on what was actually a great year for the powerhouse number eight. He was sorely missed in the opening stages of the Rugby Championship, but proved his worth on his return from suspension. He was brilliant at the breakdown and charged into opposition defences like a cement truck with faulty brakes. His red card hurts his score as it significantly impacted the Boks’ performances and plans for the year, but he was brilliant when selected. 9