Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett has likened under-fire lock Salmaan Moerat to Bok legend Bakkies Botha.

Moerat captained the Springboks to a 45-0 win against Italy in Port Elizabeth, but still came in for heavy criticism from fans on social media who questioned his individual performance.

However, Mallett believes Moerat is being unfairly judged and highlighted the unseen work that the 27-year-old contributes at Test level.

“He does the dark arts. He does the hard work,” Mallett told Talking Boks. “When he has a really good game for the Stormers, he’ll have made 15 or 16 clean-outs at the ruck. He’s that Bakkies Botha-type hitter – the guy who stops and powers mauls, the guy who throws himself into low tackles.

“He’s not a flashy ball-carrier or primary lineout jumper. But he’s the front-of-the-lineout workhorse who knocks ball-carriers backwards and cleans rucks. You’ve got to look at those stats to understand his value.”

Moerat, who made his Test debut in 2022, has had his progress stalled by injuries, but Mallett is confident that a consistent run of matches will allow him to thrive in his role.

“You can’t have two RG Snyman-type locks in the same team,” Mallett added. “Someone has to do the graft. Moerat does that.”

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Beyond his physical contribution, Mallett praised Moerat’s leadership, pointing to his captaincy credentials from school through to senior level.

“He’s a remarkable person. He’s been a captain at every level – Paarl Boys’, SA U19, SA U21 – and commands real respect from teammates. That matters.”

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