Two Stormers stars poised for Springbok debuts in 2024

There are expected to be some new names in the wider Springbok squad as the national coaches begin to assess their options beyond the World Cup group. And all considered, there are two players in the Stormers forward pack who are making waves in all the right directions.

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COULD THESE STORMERS STARS MAKE A PLAY FOR SPRINGBOK SELECTION?

At the Stormers, Hacjivah Dayimani is blessed with an abundance of talent, and there is a sense that this is really the season when the 26-year-old could throw his name into the Bok ring.

With immense mobility and plenty of soft skills, Dayimani could really come into the national reckoning if he brings sturdy defence, increased physicality and high work rate to the mix.

The talented forward has the ability to play across the back row, and the Bok coaches may soon want to see first-hand what he can offer, especially if he continues to make a consistent impact – as he has been at the start of this season in the URC and Europe.

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At a time when Frans Malherbe is out of action, tighthead prop Neethling Fouche has stepped up for the Stormers and made a massive impact, which certainly seems to be bringing him onto the Springbok radar.

Fouche is a true attacking scrummager, and his power and mobility may well be catching the eye of the Bok coaches – especially at a time when Vincent Koch is also recovering from injury.

“It’s a dream for many players to one day play for the Stormers, but Nettas (Fouche) is extremely passionate about it,” Stormers assistant coach Rito Hlungwani recently told the media.

“He works very hard, wants to constantly improve and I think he has put his hand up. He is a warrior and I think he can fit comfortably into the national setup thanks to his work ethic.

“I think they [the Springboks] should open the door for him, at least for the alignment camps so they can get a look at whether he will fit in that environment. I believe he will.”

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THE BOKS’ HOME TEST SCHEDULE FOR 2024 IS:

Saturday, 6 July: SA vs. Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday, 13 July: SA vs. Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)
Saturday, 20 July: SA vs. Portugal (venue TBC)
Saturday, 31 August: SA vs. New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
Saturday, 7 September: SA vs. New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
Saturday, 28 September: SA vs. Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)

Meanwhile, the Springboks’ away Test schedule includes two matches against the Wallabies in Australia in August, and an away match against Argentina in the Rugby Championship in September, as well as engagements in Europe in November 2024.

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