Ulster’s Challenge Cup Semi‑Final Highlights South African Talent and Concerns
While the Ulster versus Exeter Chiefs clash was not the headline fixture of the weekend, it offered a clear snapshot of both a strength and a lingering weakness for South African rugby ahead of the Boks’ first official friendly of the 2026 international season against England in Johannesburg.
Joseph Dweba’s Line‑out Struggles Persist
Joseph Dweba’s throw‑in has been a point of discussion since his debut start for the Springboks against the All Blacks in Johannesburg in 2022. In that Test, Dweba completed only two of his five attempted line‑out throws, a 40 % success rate that contributed to a lost turnover in the second quarter (ESPN Scrum, 27 Aug 2022).
More than two years later, the issue resurfaced during Ulster’s Challenge Cup semi‑final. Coming on as a replacement for Exeter, Dweba spent roughly thirty minutes on the Ravenshill pitch and missed two of his three throws, again hovering around the 33 % mark (BBC Sport, 4 May 2024). Consistency in the line‑out remains an area where the hooker must improve if he is to regain regular selection for the Boks.
Juarno Augustus Shines for Ulster
In stark contrast, former Stormers and Junior Bok number eight Juarno Augustus delivered a man‑of‑the‑match performance for Ulster. Augustus carried the ball 12 times for 68 metres, made three tackles and secured a crucial turnover that set up Ulster’s opening try (Ulster Rugby, 4 May 2024).
Augustus had been called into Bok squad training in 2023 but withdrew with a shoulder injury. His recent form suggests he could be a viable option for the loose‑forward ranks should the Boks need additional depth.
South Africa’s Loose‑Forward Depth Remains Strong
Despite the hooker concerns, the Boks continue to enjoy a wealth of talent in the loose‑forward department. Evan Roos, who has started in 18 of the last 20 Tests, provides a reliable blend of work‑rate and skill at flank (SA Rugby, accessed Sep 2025). The presence of players such as Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith and the emerging talent of Elrigh Louw means South Africa can afford to rotate without sacrificing quality.
Lock Position: A Growing Worry for the Boks
The second‑row, however, presents a more complex picture. A series of injuries and disciplinary issues have eroded the pool of experienced locks available for selection.
Injuries to Key Second‑Rows
- RG Snyman – The 2019 World Cup winner missed the majority of the 2025/26 season after a knee ligament injury sustained while playing for Leinster. He is expected to return only in late 2026 (Leinster Rugby, 12 Nov 2025).
- Eben Etzebeth – After serving a suspension following an eye‑incident in the final international match of 2025, Etzebeth played just one Test for the Sharks before a recurring calf strain ended his season. His limited game time raises concerns about match sharpness (Sharks Rugby, 30 Mar 2025).
- Salmaan Moerat – The Stormers captain has been out since January 2026 with a toe fracture. Although the club hopes he will be fit for the URC playoffs, his injury history makes his availability uncertain (
