Predicting Rassie Erasmus’ next move is usually an exercise in futility. The Springbok mastermind has built a reputation for zigging when everyone expects him to zag, keeping selection experts and pundits constantly second-guessing. But after South Africa’s 42-38 defeat to Australia in Perth, The Ruck has thrown caution to the wind and suggested four players may have already laced up their boots in green and gold for the final time.

Aphelele Fassi, Herschel Jantjies, Handré Pollard and Franco Mostert have all found themselves in the firing line following the Wallabies clash. Whilst some of these predictions seem plausible, others would represent seismic shifts in Springbok thinking. Let’s examine each case and determine whether we’ve genuinely seen the last of these players in the famous jersey.

Aphelele Fassi – The fullback facing an uphill battle

This felt like a golden opportunity for Fassi to cement his place in the Springbok set-up. Unfortunately, very little went his way when it mattered most.

The 28-year-old endured a torrid afternoon at fullback, particularly underneath the high ball. One glaring error was ruthlessly punished by Len Ikitau, whilst there were other costly mistakes during what can only be described as a nightmare shift at the office.

His problems in the aerial battle and the damning statistic that he missed both of his attempted tackles overshadowed the were fleeting moments of quality, most notably his involvement in Edwill van der Merwe’s first-half try.

The bigger problem for Fassi isn’t just one bad performance; it’s the competition breathing down his neck. Damian Willemse has regularly worn the No.15 jersey in major Tests and sits comfortably above Fassi in the pecking order. Add to that the considerable depth South Africa possess across the back three, and the picture becomes increasingly bleak.

Cheslin Kolbe and even Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu can comfortably fill in at fullback when required. Meanwhile, Quan Horn produced a decent cameo when he replaced Fassi against Australia, and emerging talent Luan Gilliomee looks like he could be the real deal, though he’d need to be properly tested in the cauldron of Test rugby first.

Herschel Jantjies – The surprise selection that backfired

Jantjies’ selection raised eyebrows before a ball had even been kicked in Perth. The 30-year-old was handed the No.9 jersey despite barely featuring for South Africa this season, effectively leapfrogging several scrum-halves who had been more involved in Erasmus’ plans.

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick revealed before the game that Jantjies had played only around 25 minutes of Test rugby this season, but insisted his performances in training had earned him an opportunity.

Morné Van den Berg’s introduction only cranked up the pressure. The 28-year-old has looked increasingly impressive when given opportunities by Erasmus and again made an impact from the bench, crossing for a try during South Africa’s late fightback.

The competition at scrum-half is absolutely fierce. Cobus Reinach and Grant Williams are firmly ahead in the pecking order, whilst Van den Berg continues to bang down the door with every opportunity. Younger talent like Hashim Pead is coming through the ranks, and Embrose Papier has been putting in solid shifts for the Bulls.

Jantjies has clawed his way back from the international wilderness before, but after surprisingly jumping the queue for Perth and failing spectacularly to capitalise, he could find himself marooned right back down it. In all probability, we won’t see Jantjies in the green and gold any time soon.

Handré Pollard – The most controversial call

This would comfortably be the biggest and most controversial prediction of the lot.

Pollard remains one of the most important Springboks of the Erasmus era and played a decisive role in back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs. Suggesting his international career might be over feels almost sacrilegious, yet The Ruck has planted that seed.

The argument centres on generational change. Feinberg-Mngomezulu has increasingly looked comfortable orchestrating the Springbok attack and has applied genuine pressure on Pollard’s status in the pecking order. The 21-year-old brings flash and flair that excites supporters hungry for attacking rugby.

Pollard returned from injury to start in Perth and kicked his goals with customary reliability, but was unable to wrestle control back as Australia seized command. At 32 years old, questions about his future are legitimate, particularly with 2027 still a major goal for the veteran playmaker.

But here’s where The Ruck’s prediction feels premature. Although Pollard didn’t bring the attacking pizzazz of Mngomezulu, he delivered a solid performance in Perth. He played a pivotal role in the Canan Moodie break that resulted in a Springbok try, demonstrating his ability to see space not just for himself but for teammates in better positions.

His kicking speaks for itself, Pollard’s golden boot has rescued the Boks on countless occasions. More importantly, as a mentor there can be no player better equipped to develop the next generation of fly-halves.

Manie Libbok also lurks on the periphery of selection, adding another layer to the debate. But writing off Pollard feels deeply premature. Expect to see him in green and gold again.

Franco Mostert – Father time remains undefeated

Time is the biggest factor in Mostert’s case, and ultimately it catches everyone.

The veteran lock remains an incredibly dependable Springbok and worked tirelessly alongside Eben Etzebeth in Perth. His defensive work and efforts around the field one of the few highlights on a torrid afternoon for the Boks.

But Mostert is now 35 years old. The double World Cup winner went into the Australia Test with 84 caps and will be 36 by the time the 2027 Rugby World Cup kicks off.

However, lock is a position where the Springboks look surprisingly thin, which could work heavily in Mostert’s favour. He’ll probably make the cut for next year’s World Cup, particularly if his form holds. If RG Snyman returns to full fitness, he’ll likely pack down in Mostert’s place for the biggest matches, but experienced locks like Mostert and Lood de Jager are worth their weight in gold in the pressure-cooker environment of a World Cup knockout match.

Mostert’s versatility, experience and extraordinary work-rate continue to make him valuable to the Springbok cause. At this stage of his career, though, every Test appearance could genuinely be his last. It’s not a question of if, but when.

Of The Ruck’s four predictions, Jantjies appears the most likely to have played his last Test. The scrum-half depth is exceptional, and his Perth performance did nothing to suggest he deserves another opportunity ahead of those performing consistently well.

Fassi faces a genuine battle but remains young enough to fight his way back into contention if his form improves.

Mostert’s international future is dictated primarily by Father Time rather than form or selection politics. He could easily feature at the 2027 World Cup, but retirement is clearly on the horizon.

As for Pollard, suggesting his international career is finished feels like classic over-reaction to one match. The veteran playmaker brings too much experience, leadership and reliability to be cast aside just yet. Feinberg-Mngomezulu represents the future, but Pollard still has plenty to offer in the present.

Erasmus has made a career out of surprising everyone. Don’t be shocked if all four of these players feature again, or if none of them do. With Rassie, anything is possible.