Rassie identifies new talent on the Springbok radar
The Springboks have just three Tests remaining in 2024, but this season has already seen a changing of the guard in certain positions as coach Rassie Erasmus has brought several newcomers into the mix.
For the end-of-year tour, however, Cameron Hanekom is the only uncapped player in the 35-man squad after being drafted into the group as an injury replacement for Damian Willemse.
The former Junior Springbok loose forward has been in magnificent form for the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship this season, and Erasmus recently admitted that there were other teammates of Hanekom who had been impressing him.
“There’s talent at lock coming through at the Bulls who we haven’t given a chance to yet,” Erasmus said, giving a nod to a group of players who could soon come into the Springbok mix next year.
Word has it that the likes of Cobus Wiese, JF van Heerden, and the versatile Reinhardt Ludwig are just some of the Bulls players who have been catching Erasmus’ eye.
The 27-year-old Wiese has decent experience on his side, and it’s believed that his ability to play at both No 4 and No 5, as well as at blindside flank, is seen as a major bonus.
Van Heerden, the 20-year-old Junior Bok, is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most promising future No 5 locks, and it’s no surprise that he is already on the Springbok radar, while 22-year-old Ludwig is apparently viewed as a talented prospect who could offer utility forward value in a similar vein to Franco Mostert or Pieter-Steph du Toit.
Rassie Erasmus has no shortage of Springbok talent to call on
Although the Springboks have looked to expand their depth this season, it’s clear that Erasmus will now primarily rely on the tried and tested squad members as they target an unbeaten end-of-year tour.
South Africa will face Scotland in Edinburgh (Sunday 10 November), England in London (Saturday 16 November) and Wales in Cardiff (Saturday 23 November) over the next three weeks.
Meanwhile, Hanekom described the last week with the national team in Jersey as a “dream come true” and said he was so surprised by his call-up that he initially asked if it was a joke.
“It’s been an unbelievable experience so far, especially being with double Rugby World Cup winners and players I’ve looked up to for so long, so it’s really a dream come true and something I can’t really describe,” said Hanekom.
“I’ve always strived to become a Springbok and although I’m not there yet, it’s just fantastic to be here and to learn as much as I can from these players.”
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