Springboks could debut five players in Wales Test

The Springboks announced plans for their first alignment camp ahead of the 2024 international season. 

READ | RASSIE ERASMUS SENDS MESSAGE TO PLAYERS OVERLOOKED FOR SPRINGBOK ALIGNMENT CAMP

This alignment camp will give coach Rassie Erasmus a first opportunity to look at what he has at his disposal. 

In order to do so, Erasmus named a 43-man squad that features 16 uncapped players and fresh faces. He also has selected 21 players who are World Cup winners, with a further 12 back to back winners. Within that group, there are squad veterans such as Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Cheslin Kolbe. Surprisingly Willie le Roux, already a Springbok veteran in 2023, has also entered the 2027 World Cup cycle. 

Erasmus also took the opportunity to call up some young fan favourites 23 years-old and under. The likes of Cameron Hanekom, Celimpilo Gumede, Henco van Wyk, Quan Horn, Ruan Venter, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Sacha-Feinberg Mngomezulu to name a few. Besides the youngsters, there is also a group of slightly more established franchise rugby players rewarded. That group includes Neethling Fouche, Sanele Nohamba, Johan Grobelaar, Ruben van Heerden, Marnus van der Merwe and Andre Hugo-Venter. 

While that list may include some current and future favourites, there are some fan favourites who’ve been left out. That might offer Hacjivah Dayimani, Warrick Gelant, Stedman Gans and David Kriel a glimmer of hope going forward. But with that being said, the potential debutants for 2024 might come from the initial group. So here are five players who could become first time Springboks before the end of the year. 

FIVE POTENTIAL SPRINGBOKS DEBUTANTS IN 2024

1. Fouche

The Stormers tighthead prop has paid his dues in franchise rugby and has been an able deputy for Frans Malherbe. That has earned him a spot in the Springboks alignment camp. 

2. Hugo-Venter

The 22-year-old has proven to be worthy competition for Springbok Joseph Dweba at the Stormers. He will hope to oust Dweba out of the Western Cape side to give himself a chance at a Bok debut. 

3. Hanekom

The 20-year-old has had a fantastic breakthrough season at the Bulls. He is also eligible for the Wales so that could force Erasmus to cap him early.

4. Van Wyk

With Jessie Kriel out with a long-term injury, the young Lions centre could be the one to provide competition. Lukhanyo Am and Canan Moodie are expected to be the other options at 13.

5. Hartzenberg

The Springbok set-up definitely favours versatile players. With Hartzenberg comfortable at centre and wing he could be in line for an international debut if he plays more.

FIRST OPPORTUNITY?

The Springboks are set to begin their international season against Wales at Twickenham on 22 June, could Erasmus unleash some debutants?