Warren Whiteley's return to fitness is becoming a matter of urgency ahead of next month's tests against Wales and England.
His main rival for the Springbok No8 jersey, Duane Vermeulen, is unlikely to feature for the bulk of the season - which places a higher expectation on the Lions' No8 to regain fitness and take the captain's armband next month.
Whiteley, who is on the cusp of making a return to the playing field, has been out of action since the second week of March.
Named Bok captain last year before missing the bulk of the season with a groin injury, Whiteley made a fleeting return this year before injuring knee ligaments against the Blues at Ellis Park.
A source in the Bok set-up told the Sunday Times Whiteley is the preferred candidate, though contingencies had to be made if his fitness continues to fail him.
"There aren't too many other options. Another option would be Handre Pollard but the feeling is he should focus on his play at flyhalf. It is a position that will demand his full focus and attention," said the source, who preferred to remain anonymous.
Strong sentiments have been expressed to install Siya Kolisi as test captain, but along with that of the team, the Stormers skipper's stock has taken a dip this season. "His form hasn't been great," said the insider. "There is a feeling that he listens to too many people. His body language isn't good and he can do more to read the game."
Whiteley looks set to return to action next Saturday when the Lions travel to Newlands for their clash against the Stormers. His performance there is likely to add fuel to any Springbok selection arguments.
His return to fitness is especially critical, with Vermeulen unlikely to feature in the June internationals and the Rugby Championship. "He is not going to feature this year. He is finishing up at Toulon but he will have commitments in Japan," said the source.
Erasmus will however have a "foreign" presence in his squad. SA Rugby has stressed they place no limits on the number of players the coach wishes to fly in from abroad. They've even relaxed the 30-test limit placed on players who campaign abroad.That contingent is likely to include scrumhalf Faf de Klerk (Sale Sharks), utility back Frans Steyn (Montpellier), centre Juan de Jongh (Wasps), hooker Bismarck du Plessis (Montpellier) and prop Vincent Koch (Saracens).
Jan Serfontein (Montpellier) and Pat Lambie (Racing 92) have both been ruled out with injury. Injury has wreaked havoc with Erasmus's plans. Hooker Malcolm Marx, lock Lood de Jager and prop Lizo Gqoboka recently joined long-term casualties lock Eben Etzebeth, flank Jaco Kriel, prop Coenie Oosthuizen and wing Courtnall Skosan.
Etzebeth, who captained the team on their end-of-year tour last year, will only return in July from a shoulder injury.
The growing Springbok injury list may yet bring clarity to murky selection areas Erasmus has to navigate.
The coach looks set to take a young squad to Washington for the clash against Wales, and his team against England will have a far more grizzled look. "The test against Wales is outside the international test window.
The foreign-based players will stay behind (in South Africa) and will have to familiarise themselves with what the coach laid down during those alignment camps over the last month or so. A squad of 26 will travel to Washington and there will be a number of young players in that group."Erasmus's options for the trip to Donald Trump territory are also likely to include a bolter or two. Unheralded Bulls flanker Marco van Staden is a player who had to take the road less travelled to Super Rugby recognition and his fighting qualities are likely to see him jump another notch.
The Sharks' Thomas du Toit's move to tighthead is gaining traction with each passing scrum. He too may wing his way to DC.
The source said involving the foreign-based players at a camp was essential. "The players understand what is required."
The squad will be selected on Tuesday and is likely to be announced next weekend...