Springboks rugby is at an all-time high and the future stars are hungry and eager to be a part of the latest chapter of this prestigious legacy.
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The United Rugby Championship is well underway and several players have continued to build on the promises they have shown in the passed few seasons for their respective franchises.
Furthermore, with many Springboks entering the latter stages of their careers, spaces will start to open up in the national squad. With this in mind, we take a look at SEVEN scintillating stars who could one day don the green and gold.
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SEVEN STARS WHO COULD BE FUTURE SPRINGOKS
GERHARD STEENEKAMP (PROP)
Steenekamp earned a call up to the Springboks squad during the build up to Rugby World Cup 2023, earning a 27-minute debut against Argentina. Therefore, he is certainly in the picture should he continue with his impressive form from last season.
Current Boks props, Trevor Nyakane (34) and Vincent Koch (33) are entering the latter stages of their careers. Meaning, both players are unlikely to play a part in the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. So, Rassie Erasmus and SA Rugby are looking for a new prop. The 26-year-old, Steenekamp, is nicknamed ‘crusher’ for a reason, he is a massive ball career and yet another powerful SA Rugby scrum machine in his own rights.
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NTUTHUKO MCHUNO (PROP)
Mchuno is just 24 and he already has one international cap.
The 1.88m, 114kg prop has the build. Moreover, he is one of the more powerful and athlete props in the game. He will mature as a player and when he does he could be a promising future Boks star. As mentioned, two spots are about to open up.
JOHAN GROBBELAAR
Grobbelaar has been one of the most consistent players for the Bulls over the past few seasons. He has all the makings of a fine hooker – excellent line-out throw ins, strong ball carees, decent fetching and he is solid in the line-out. He earned some training experience with the national side when he was called up in August 2021.
However, he is yet to make his Bok debut. At 25 (26 in December), he has a good chance of playing for the Boks in the future. Furthermore, Bongi Mbonambi is 32 (he will be 33 in January) and Deon Fourie will be over 40. So, Dweba is largely expected to return to the Bok setup but if the Boks revert back to the traditional three hookers than Grobbelaar is certainly in with a shout. Akker van der Merwe is also in the running but he will be 36 at the next Rugby World Cup.
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RUAN NORTJE
Nortjé reminds me of a young Lood de Jager.
He wears his heart on his sleeve, in excellent in the line-out and carries the ball with great passion and vigour. This 2022-23 season will be huge for him given that last season he was far from his best. Not to say he had a poor season by any means but he was not as explosive as he has been for the Bulls in previous seasons. With Lood de Jager having been diagnosed with pericarditis and the senior locks entering the latter stages of their career, SA Rugby will need to develope a lock. Franco Mostert will be 36 whilst Etzebeth will be 37 and Marvin Orie 34 at the next World Cup. Nortje will turn 28 and be in the peak of his career.
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HACJIVAH DAYIMANI
Actions speak louder than words and Dayimani has been one of the stand-out performers in the last two URC’s. He is explosive, has the speed of an outside back, the skills of a centre and the explosive strength needed as a loose forward. In fact, he would make many countries in World Rugby it is just unfortunate for him that South Africa has o many world class loose forwards in Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kwagga Smith, Deon Fourie and Marco van Staden
SACHA-FEINBERG MNGOMEZULU
Talent, skill, potential and class in abundance. The 21-year old plays has a wise head on his shoulders. Mngomezulu is the full package, astute on defence, dangerous on attack with the ability to step on either foot. He is the epitome of an x-factor player capable of producing moments of brilliances such as offloads in the tackle, chip and gathers. Furthermore, he is an excellent goalkicker capable of kicking long distance kicks of up to 55m. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Rassie Erasmus has earmarked him as a potential future Springbok.
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HENCO VAN WYK
The Lions outside centre has all the makings of a quality outside centre and modern day outside centre. He is a hard runner, runs excellent lines and he has quite the eye for the gap. Moreover, he is equally hard to bring down and has a powerful hand-off. It might not be in the next season but don’t be surprised to see van Wyk wear the green and gold in the future.
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