Rassie Erasmus Skips Springboks Team Photo, Fans Ask: ‘Why Was Mzwandile Stick Put in His Place?’

• The Springboks’ latest pre-match team photo has caused a stir online, drawing attention from fans across South Africa
• Speculation is growing about the squad’s composition ahead of their upcoming clash with Australia at DHL Stadium in Cape Town
• Social media has erupted with mixed reactions, with supporters debating team selection, representation, and dynamics within the squad

The latest Springboks team photo has sparked heated debate on social media, with many South Africans questioning the absence of head coach Rassie Erasmus.

Instead, assistant coach Mzwandile Stick was placed in the traditional central seat, a move that quickly ignited speculation and criticism.

The Boks are preparing to face Australia in the second round of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, 23 August.

On the eve of the clash, the Springboks’ official social media pages shared the customary squad photo. While routine in appearance, fans noticed Erasmus had been swapped out for Stick.

Read also

"Itumeleng Khune Turns Heads with Casual Look That Has Fans Swooning"

What might have seemed like a minor change soon trended online, as users suggested the decision was no coincidence and tied it to issues beyond the game.

Fans question motives

Much of the discussion centred on racial representation. Out of the 23 players selected, 17 were white.

With captain Siya Kolisi ruled out through injury, the only black players in the squad are Ox Nche and Aphelele Fassi. Mixed-race players Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cheslin Kolbe, Grant Williams, and Canan Moodie made up the remainder of the non-white selection.

Online reactions

Reactions on X (formerly Twitter) were swift and divided:

@_mashesha:

"Julius is always vindicated 😩😭"

@KwaggaBoucher:

"Waar is Willie?"

@C_that:

"No slip-ups, boys. We need to win 50-0 just to instil discipline."

@mashesha:

"Lol, in 2025!!! 🤣🤣🤣"

@renierferreira:

"Let it be a CLINICAL performance with a 40-point win!"

Take a look at the picture below:

Read also

Kaizer Chiefs boost attack with surprise new striker

@sanizwe:

"Succession Stick."

@BeardedPriest1:

"This is still a White Nationalist team."

@ka_madesi:

"We can’t be having a Springbok team that looks like Apartheid. This is absolute garbage."

@EdgarLegoale:

"The team looks so white. When will transformation happen in this team?"

@thisandtgat:

"It’s Australia versus Australia today. #Springboks vs #Wallabies"

@VersterZelda:

"Make us proud, boys 💚"

Willie le Roux ruled out of Australia clash

The Springboks need a win against Australia but will be without one of their key players, Willie le Roux, for the match on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

The veteran fullback was initially selected to start the match in Cape Town against the Wallabies but was withdrawn from the team on Friday.

Le Roux, who recently became South African rugby’s latest Test centurion, is said to have picked up a minor injury during his training ahead of the tie. The coaching crew decided not to risk him for the game.

Read also

Actress Khanyi Mbau confirms she's MCing at Ndlala Mall's grand opening: "A night of soul"

Eben Etzebeth makes history at Ellis Park

Briefly News previously reported that the Springboks' veteran Eben Etzebeth made history on Saturday at Ellis Park Stadium in the Rugby Championship clash against Australia.

The Boks, however, endured heartbreak after surrendering a commanding 22-0 lead to suffer a crushing 22-38 defeat.

It was their first loss to Australia at Ellis Park since 1963, ending a 12-year unbeaten home run against the Wallabies.

Source: Briefly News