Springboks: Promising future players at URC franchises
We are almost certain to see several Springboks make their Test rugby debuts next season and here we look at four strong candidates.
There are likely to be a handful of Springboks debuts next season as the next generation come through the ranks.
Here we take a look at each URC franchises most promising uncapped player.
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BULLS SPRINGBOKS CANDIDATE CAMERON HANEKOM
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Cameron Hanekom has only played a handful of matches for the Bulls but he is already on the Springbok radar.
The Springboks also aren’t alone in their interest as it turns out Hanekom is also qualified to play for Wales.
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Hanekom continues to do well despite the Bulls sporting numerous loose forward options including a couple of capped Springboks.
Hanekom has been dynamic in the loose and barnstorming with the ball in hand and could be in line for a Springbok debut next season.
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LIONS UNDERRATED STAR HENCO VAN WYK
The Lions are currently vying for the tag of most-improved URC team but one player who has been consistently great for them over the past few seasons has been Henco van Wyk.
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Van Wyk is another mould-breaking No 13 akin to but not a carbon copy of someone like Lukhanyo Am.
A stunning attacking player, van Wyk also does some of his best work on defence and wins penalties with his great jackaling ability.
He is on the Springbok radar and should get a look-in during the 2024 season.
SHARKS MAN PHEPSI BUTHELEZI COULD BECOME THE SPRINGBOKS SKIPPER
A versatile loose-forward with leadership qualities in spades, Phepsi Buthelezi is a future Springbok for sure.
Buthelezi is an important player for the Sharks and arguably their best loose forward when it comes to ball-skills.
He is considered by some to be a future Springbok captain and skippered the Baby Boks at the World Rugby U20 Championship.
He has shown his desire to stand up and be counted even when the Sharks aren’t quite firing and the Springboks will take note.
SACHA FEINBERG-MNGOMEZULU IS THE STORMERS NEXT SPRINGBOKS RECRUIT
Barring a mishap with injury Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will become a Bok next season. He is also England-qualified but has made it clear that he wants to pull on the green and gold.
Able to play virtually anywhere in the backline and possessed of an accurate kicking boot Feinberg-Mngomezulu is one of the most exciting talents in South Africa.
He can run the game from No 10 or 12 and is quick enough to play as an outside back.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu kicks well out of hand and has shown himself to both a gifted and intelligent player.