Coach Rachid Erasmus has added a whopping 11 uncapped players to the Springboks’ latest training squad ahead of the first test match of the year against Wales on June 22.
The 35-man squad is made up mainly of local and Japan-based players, with the Bulls having some players unavailable due to their participation in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
Handre Pollard and Jasper Wiese are the only two players from the Premier League team to be named in the national team so far, but they will not be able to play in the test match against Wales as it is outside the international period.
There’s a lot to discuss, so we take a closer look at who the winners and losers are from Erasmus’ Springbok training squad.
winner
Lions
All 11 uncapped players were immediate favourites and had excellent seasons to qualify. The Lions’ passionate campaign saw some of their stars rewarded – a fantastic achievement considering no Johannesburg-based players featured in the Rugby World Cup. Fullback Quan Horn’s His consistency throughout the match earned him a well-deserved call-up alongside the dynamic scrum-half. Moen van den BergHe will have to wade through the depth of players at his position to get a chance.
Soon to be a shark Jordan Hendrickse He’s been rewarded with improved athleticism and an impressive kicking game, making him a hot step forward. Edwill van der Merwe The winger was selected despite not being involved with either side, and his inclusion may have been prompted by the double injury to Rugby World Cup winners Kurt Lee Arendse and Canan Moody.
Edwill van der Merwe!! 🥵 pic.twitter.com/walmTehDt7
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) May 19, 2024
Challenge Cup winners Sharks
Flyhalf Shea Mask He got his due in the sensational comeback that led the Sharks to the Challenge Cup title, and his spatial awareness in attack and all-important goal-kicking ability put him in a good position to start against Wales. Manny Reebok Pollard will also be unavailable due to his poor form.
Another key player in the Sharks backline is Ethan Hooker Like van der Merwe, he did not take part in the alignment camp but was praised for his good form. The centre, who plays at no. 12 and no. 13, is an excellent player on the ball and good at the breakdown. Phepsi Buthelezi He has been sensational this season, developing into a quality back row player in both attack and defence.
Return to normal Aphelele Fassi A joy to watch, Erasmus agreed, bringing the ‘Weekend Special’ back into the Springbok line-up. The full-back has dominated the Sharks’ attack and with injuries testing the back three, he is a valuable option.
It also sees the return of a one-capped prop to the Boks set-up. Ntuko MchunuA strong season with the Sharks paid off.
Stormers
Although the Cape side was eliminated by URC in the quarter-finals, some of its star players were rewarded for their efforts. Neethling-Fouché He had had a great season and was expected to feature. His scrummaging and carrying ability and leadership made him the obvious choice. The Springbok brain trust had always liked the look of the hooker. Andre Hugo Venter And he’s coming off a relatively hard-working season and will earn his chance in the setup.
Tackle Machine Ben Jason Dixon He fulfilled Erasmus’s criteria with a prodigious work-rate similar to Pieter-Steph du Toit, and if the Springboks need a blindside option, it seems likely that Dixon would fill that position perfectly at Test level. His ability to cover the second row as well only makes him even more valuable.
Finally, the new cap Sasha Feinberg-Mungomezuluhas more than delivered despite an injury-interrupted season. He is highly talented and versatile across the backline, making him an invaluable asset, especially given Damien Willemse’s injury. The Springboks must manage the stormer well, as he has the potential to be one of the best players in the world in the future. It will be exciting to see how he performs at Test level.
😤 Sasha Feinberg-MNGOMEZULU!pic.twitter.com/ybHSR6OdcJ
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) June 1, 2024
Veteran Core
It’s encouraging to see new faces, but the key to this Rugby World Cup cycle is to strike a balance between old and new, and the veterans have been strong at times this season. Sharks tight forward Eben Etzebeth, Oks Nche, Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch He was brilliant in the Challenge Cup final and will be an important player for the Boks going forward.
The Japanese team also shone Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk and Jesse Kriel Both have advanced to the top of the League One playoffs. Cheslin Kolbe With new injuries on the wing, that will become even more important.
Jasper Wiese
There is no doubt about the quality of the number 8, but the departing Leicester Tigers Wiese He is currently serving a six-match suspension that will keep him out until the middle of the Rugby Championship. Clearly the team would prefer to keep him in the squad to help prepare and strengthen the team, but some may still consider him lucky to be there. His absence could open the door for the emergence of players like Evan Roos, Elli Roux or even Cameron Hanekom.
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loser
Trauma Ward
The world champions have been hit by some bad luck recently with several star players sidelined by injuries. Damien Willems I had surgery on my finger last month, Canaan Moody He underwent surgery a few days ago for a hand injury. Kurt Lee Arendsesuffered a fractured cheekbone in the win over Benetton. Arendse has not yet been ruled out completely and could be back in time for the Ireland game.
Stephen Kitshoff He suffered a serious knee injury in Ulster and is yet to play. Ruud de JagerThis means other players have to make up the shortfall.
Dealing with injuries in the pack will be easier than concerns about the backline putting pressure on the Springbok back three.
Stormers pair
Most tackles in URC and a very strong season. Ruben van Helden He worked hard to get selected but it just didn’t happen. He may simply be a victim of a lack of depth, but it’s still puzzling as the second-row has been one of the Stormers’ best players all season, both in attack and defence. It will be frustrating for players who feel they could not have tried harder to get selected.
Similarly, but to a lesser extent, the wings Suleiman Herzenbergis one of the first names on the Stormers teamsheet. Superb in the air, mature beyond his years and a decent kicking prowess, he seems, on the surface, outshone by van der Merwe’s prodigious dynamism and physicality.
Unlucky Lion
The reaction of many to the team was, “Where are you? Sanel Nohamba“What about Nohamba?” is a fair question to ask. The Lions suffered a concussion in last weekend’s win over the Stormers, but there’s been no clear mention of him missing through injury. Whether it’s nine or 10 games this season will be difficult for Nohamba, who was the heart of the Lions. The ability to play both half-back positions would have been a huge advantage for a team like the Springboks, who encourage versatility, but that wasn’t the case for the playmaker.
Huge props in the pack Asenathi Ntrabakanye He showed incredible growth and was once a candidate, but once again fell victim to a lack of depth in the squad. That doesn’t mean he’ll be missing out in the future.
Outside Duo
At the training camp, Erasmus made the unconventional choices of Pumas prop Sampy Sweegers and Cheetahs hooker Marnus van der Merwe, but neither were selected. Their omissions are not a huge surprise, but given their involvement earlier in the year, the Springbok management will be keeping a close eye on them.
read more: Coach Rassie Erasmus has named 11 unplayed stars from Springbok training camp ahead of an intriguing testing season.
