Springbok No 8 Jasper Wiese has been hit with a hefty suspension, creating a significant gap for the world champions at the back of the scrum for the start of the season.
The world cup-winning loose forward received a red card in his final match for the Leicester Tigers against the Exeter Chiefs for lifting Ross Vincent dangerously, resulting in Vincent’s head striking the ground. It marked Wiese’s fourth red card in six seasons, disqualifying the former Cheetahs bruiser from full mitigation credit. Ironically, his suspension coincided with his inclusion in the English Premiership Team of the Season for 2023-24.The six-game suspension sidelines Wiese from South Africa’s 22 June Test against Wales in London, the two-Test home series against Ireland, and a one-off fixture with Portugal.
Coach Rassie Erasmus now faces a selection dilemma at eighth man following two-time world champion Duane Vermeulen’s retirement after the 2023 Rugby World Cup victory in France. The options include the less experienced Evan Roos and Elrigh Louw, alongside uncapped Cameron Hanekom.