When a 39-player Springbok squad has been selected and there are still grumblings about those who missed out, then you know that the depth in South African rugby is something to behold.
That is certainly the case among the loose forwards ahead of the two-Test series against Ireland, where regulars such as captain Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Kwagga Smith have been joined by youngsters such as Evan Roos who produced a strong display in the win over Wales last weekend Phepsi Buthelezi and Ben-Jason Dixon.
Marco van Staden was part of the World Cup squad last year too, while Jasper Wiese is training with the squad, despite being suspended until the second Rugby Championship clash against Australia.
Bulls No 8 Cameron Hanekom would have made it for next Saturdays first Test against the Irish at Loftus Versfeld had he not been injured as well.
But the most talked-about omission was Bulls flank Elrigh Louw, who has been a powerful presence in his teams charge to the United Rugby Championship final against Glasgow, which they lost 21-16 last weekend.
