Springboks: SEVEN players who could return in 2024
The Springboks are set to enter a new chapter under Rassie Erasmus. These SEVEN players could return to the national set-up in 2024.
The Springboks are set to enter a new chapter under Rassie Erasmus. These SEVEN players could return to the national set-up in 2024.
SA Rugby is in an incredible place. The Springboks have just gone back-to-back in the Rugby World Cup and they successfully maintained the British & Irish Lions series in 2021. Therefore, the depth in SA is tremendous which is why some truly talented players missed out on the recent RWC in France.
However, many of the players who missed the cut will be in the picture next season. Additionally, a couple of players have recovered from injuries and they will certainly return to the fray. Finally, a previously capped Bok is knocking on the selection door and he intends to bash it down.
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SEVEN SPRINGBOKS IN LINE FOR 2024 RETURN
Thomas du Toit, Joseph Dweba, Akker van der Merwe, Lood de Jager, Evan Roos, Elton Jantjies and Lukhanyo Am are all in line to return next season.
Du Toit, Dweba and Roos were all on placed on standby whilst de Jager and Am were ruled out with injury. Thankfully, Am is back in action with the Sharks. Whilst, de Jager has recently returned to training.
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Furthermore, Duane Vermeulen has officially retired from international rugby. Meaning, there will now be space for another loose forward. Evan Roos is the favourite to fill this gap. However, he faces stiff competition from the in-form Elrigh Louw.
Rassie is expected to return to the traditional set up of three hookers in the squad. You can expect both Dweba and van der Merwe to be given a run given the red-hot form of van der Merwe in the United Rugby Championship. Moreover, Dweba has been a part of the national setup for several years now and was a surprise exclusion in the recent RWC squad.
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Meanwhile, with Trevor Nyakane (34) and Vincent Koch (33) entering the latter stages of their career, attention turns to developing another prop for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Thomas du Toit is 28 and will be 32 at the next World Cup so he is expected to step up. Furthermore, Gerhard Steenekamp could build on from his 27-minute Bok debut next season.
Finally, Elton Jantjies has hinted at making his return. Bok captain Siya Kolisi has welcomed this with open arms. Whilst, Rassie and Jacques Nienaber even invited him to train with SA when Handre Pollard was injured. Therefore, he is also in contention to make a return in 2024.