Erasmus Explains Stormers Lock’s Selection
Ruben van Heerden’s journey to the Springbok starting XV has been anything but straightforward, but according to head coach Rassie Erasmus, the towering lock has earned every bit of his long-awaited opportunity.
The 28-year-old will make his Test debut after years of perseverance against Wales at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium in the Nations Championship on Saturday, finally receiving his chance following injuries in the Springboks’ second row.
While his selection comes amid enforced changes, Erasmus stressed that it is a reward for sustained excellence rather than circumstance alone.
Van Heerden has been part of the Stormers setup since 2022, establishing himself as one of the standout locks in the United Rugby Championship.
The Alberton-born forward, a product of Affies in Pretoria who also represented SA Schools and the Junior Springboks, has developed into one of the competition’s most consistent performers before recently securing a move to French club Montpellier.
Erasmus said the coaching staff had closely monitored Van Heerden’s progress, highlighting his performances against the Springboks for the Barbarians and the work he has put in within the national setup.
“Yeah, he has come through and we’re all glad for him,” Erasmus said.
“It’s terrible to have guys in camp and not give them the opportunity. Sometimes it’s the nerves of a coach, and sometimes it’s just the opposition you play. Sometimes it’s where we are as a team.
“Ruben played against us last year with the Barbarians, and I thought he made a strong claim defensively. This year he was picked again for the Barbarians. We got a few injuries, and we called him up,” Erasmus said.
“He’s a guy who really wants to play for the Boks. He has been preparing with the Springboks for six or seven weeks while the other guys have been playing Test matches every week.
“It’s nice to reward somebody, not by giving out caps for free, because we also believe Ruan must get a rest. So Ruan was definitely not dropped. We are resting Ruan.”
Erasmus also pointed to Van Heerden’s technical strengths, particularly his lineout expertise, suggesting they could prove valuable alongside fellow Stormers forward Andre-Hugo Venter.
“For the Stormers, Andre-Hugo has one of the most accurate throws at lineouts, and Ruben calls the lineouts, so that might happen in the second half.
“We think he’s a good player who can step up, and we hope he does.”
Assistant coach Deon Davids echoed Erasmus’ sentiments, revealing how impressed he has been by Van Heerden’s growth since joining the Springbok environment.
“It was the first time I’d worked with Ruben, but I’ve really enjoyed working with him as both a person and a rugby player,” Davids said.
The assistant coach reserved particular praise for Van Heerden’s performances at franchise level, highlighting his lineout expertise and relentless work ethic as qualities that have stood out throughout his rise.
“He had an outstanding season for his franchise. He’s a smart lineout caller who understands the set-piece well. He’s also a player who works very hard. He wants to be a Springbok, and he’s waited a long time for his opportunity,” Davids added.
Davids also believes Van Heerden’s development has accelerated during his time in the Springbok environment, where he has benefited from training alongside some of the world’s best second-row forwards.
“You can really see that, as time has gone on and he’s spent more time with the experienced locks, he’s started to understand how we do things,” he said.
“He’s embraced the environment and really stepped up in the way he’s adapted to it.
“He deserves his opportunity this weekend. I’m looking forward to seeing him play for the Springboks.”
For Van Heerden, the debut represents the culmination of years of persistence. Having established himself as a key figure for the Stormers through his work rate, physicality and lineout leadership, he now has the opportunity to translate that club form onto the international stage in a Springbok jersey.
