Few players have been more important to South Africa's success than Frans Malherbe.

The 35-year-old tighthead was a cornerstone of the pack that won back-to-back World Cups in 2019 and 2023.

But his future now hangs in the balance.

Malherbe has not played since March 2025, with persistent neck and back problems keeping him on the sidelines.

The 76-cap veteran has even considered retirement.

There has been some encouraging news, with Malherbe returning to non-contact training at the Stormers.

However, there is still no confirmed date for his comeback.

Meanwhile, Thomas du Toit, Wilco Louw and Zachary Porthen are providing Erasmus with plenty of alternatives.

Malherbe has nothing left to prove. It would be a cruel ending if one of South Africa's greatest props never got the chance to say goodbye on the pitch.

2. Willie le Roux – Has the game moved on without him?

Willie le Roux has spent much of his international career dividing opinion.

Some supporters questioned his mistakes. Others recognised the remarkable vision that made him so valuable to the Springboks.

Whatever your opinion, 101 Test caps and two World Cups tell their own story.

Le Roux was a key figure in South Africa's success under Erasmus, regularly creating opportunities that few other players could see.

But things have changed.

Damian Willemse and Aphelele Fassi have emerged as leading full-back options, while the veteran has been omitted from the November squad.

Le Roux will be 38 when the 2027 World Cup arrives.

Erasmus has never been afraid to select older players, but another appearance for the Springboks is far from certain.

3. Bongi Mbonambi – From first choice to fighting for a place

There was a time when leaving Bongi Mbonambi out of the Springboks team seemed almost unthinkable.

The hooker brought aggression, leadership and a fierce competitive edge to South Africa's pack.

He was a major part of both World Cup triumphs and became one of Erasmus's most trusted players.

But the picture looks very different now.

Injuries have disrupted his momentum, while Malcolm Marx continues to set the standard at hooker.

Jan-Hendrik Wessels has also emerged as another option.

Mbonambi, now 35, has been left out of the latest touring squad.

The 82-cap veteran still has the experience to make an impact, but the competition for places has rarely been stronger.

4. Vincent Koch – The Bomb Squad veteran running out of opportunities

Vincent Koch might not have grabbed the headlines, but he was one of the men who helped make South Africa's Bomb Squad so feared.

The powerful tighthead regularly arrived from the bench to cause havoc at scrum time.

He played his part in both World Cup victories and became a hugely reliable figure under Erasmus.

However, the 36-year-old has slipped out of the international picture.

Thomas du Toit and Wilco Louw are now prominent options, while younger props are pushing for opportunities.

Koch has been omitted from the November squad, having previously fallen out of the Springboks' Nations Championship plans.

He will be 37 during the next World Cup, and forcing his way back into the team looks an increasingly difficult task.

For a player who spent so many years helping South Africa finish matches strongly, his own international career may be approaching its final whistle.

5. Makazole Mapimpi – Will he ever reach 50 caps?

If this really is the end, what a career it has been.

Makazole Mapimpi will forever be remembered for scoring South Africa's first try in a Rugby World Cup final.

His famous finish against England in 2019 helped the Springboks secure a historic 32-12 victory in Yokohama.

Four years later, he was part of another World Cup-winning squad.

But the competition on the wing has become fierce.

Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie and Edwill van der Merwe are among those competing for places.

Mapimpi has earned 47 Test caps, leaving him just three short of a memorable half-century.

However, the 36-year-old has missed out on the latest squad.

Whether he gets another opportunity remains to be seen.

It would be a shame if one of South Africa's greatest World Cup heroes never reached that milestone.

Has Rassie Erasmus already made his decision?

Not necessarily.

Erasmus has never been afraid to bring an old warrior back for one final battle.

He also knows that experience can prove priceless when the pressure is on.

Injuries, form and changes in selection could still open the door for any of these five players.

But with six uncapped players included in the latest squad, the next generation is already knocking.

For Malherbe, Le Roux, Mbonambi, Koch and Mapimpi, the curtain may already have fallen on their Springboks careers.

Which of these five legends deserves one final appearance in the green and gold?

For more updates, visit our Springboks rugby news hub.