Four 'new' players Springboks still want to test out
However, even as Erasmus has cast his selection net far and wide, he has acknowledged that four players need to be brought into the mix at some point.
Jordan Hendrikse
The Sharks flyhalf did form part of the Springboks' alignment camps earlier this year, but he was then released as Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu covered duties at flyhalf.
With Hendrikse having featured in two Tests last year, it's no surprise that Erasmus would like to see more of the 24-year-old at international level to see if he is someone who can remain on the road to the 2027 World Cup.
Quan Horn
The talented fullback has only had one Springbok appearance, off the bench against Portugal last July, and so there is no doubt that he is due for another opportunity.
It's unlikely he will come into the mix at the start of the Rugby Championship, but perhaps he could be considered for the games against Argentina.
Renzo du Plessis
The dynamic flanker is undoubtedly an exciting prospect for the Springboks, and as they go in search of the next 'Kwagga Smith', Du Plessis certainly looks to be someone who would fit that bill.
The 23-year-old has yet to earn a Springbok Test cap, but he is on the coaches' radar, and that opportunity should come sooner rather than later.
Jaden Hendrikse
In some ways, the older Hendrikse brother has become a bit of a forgotten Springbok after dropping down the pecking order as someone like Morne van den Berg has put his hand up for the Springboks.
Hendrikse already has 20 Test caps to his name, but he has yet to feature this season, and so it will be interesting to see when he might be reintegrated.
The Springboks return to action on 16 August at Ellis Park when they meet Australia in the Rugby Championship.
'We'll name 36 guys on Tuesday for the Australia series and within that squad there'll be one or two guys that we experiment with, but the bulk of that squad will be experienced players who are suited to the way we want to play,' Rassie Erasmus said.
'The nice thing is that we've got a group of 48 players or so that we've used this year and there's quite a couple that we'd also like to give opportunities to like Jaden (Hendrikse), Jordan (Hendrikse), Quan Horn, Renzo (du Plessis).
'But this was a series where we wanted to experiment a little bit so getting the scorelines we did is pretty satisfying. But the Rugby Championship is definitely a step up.'
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
eNCA
12 minutes ago
- eNCA
Farrell says win over Australia 'what dreams are made of'
Coach Andy Farrell said the British and Irish Lions' 29-26 comeback win over Australia Saturday was "what dreams are made of", saluting his players for the way they fought back. The tourists looked down and out after slumping 23-5 behind in the first-half at the cavernous Melbourne Cricket Ground. But they conjured an incredible turnaround with two tries in quick succession before half-time -- winger Hugo Keenan's 79th-minute effort sealed the three-Test series and shattered Australian hearts. "It's fairytale stuff. To leave with a win like that, it means everything," said Farrell after the nail-biting triumph. "The lads have dreamed of being Lions all their lives. To get to the point at the MCG with 90,000 odd people and win it with a dramatic finish like that, it's what dreams are made of. "We are absolutely delighted, we showed courage. "The drama and how it unfolded is what makes it so special," he added. Australia was a different team to the one beaten in the first Test at Brisbane, with dangermen Will Skelton, Rob Valetini and Dave Porecki all back from injury. Their added muscle made the Wallabies far more physical in the collisions, rattling the Lions with three tries inside eight first-half minutes before they tired in the second-half. "Australia said they were going to show up, and they did," said Farrell. "It was more than physical. They played some nice rugby and capitalised on our ill-discipline." Valetini failed to show for the second-half while Skelton departed soon after the restart. It was in their absence that the Lions were able to pull off the remarkable comeback. "It wasn't great, especially in the first-half," said Farrell. "We started with back-to-back penalties and yellow cards, and it really cost us on the scoreboard. "But we found a way back into the game, and that gave us confidence heading into the second half. And, wow -- what a finish." The series now heads to Sydney next weekend for what is a dead rubber Test but one the Lions want to win to seal a rare series whitewash.
eNCA
3 hours ago
- eNCA
Stokes ends two-year wait for Test hundred before India collapse in fourth Test
England captain Ben Stokes ended his more than two-year wait for a Test hundred before India sensationally lost two wickets without a run on the scoreboard as the hosts pressed for a series-clinching win at Old Trafford on Saturday. Stokes' dominant 141 powered England to 669 all out -- their fifth-highest total of all time -- on the fourth day of the fourth Test. That gave England, already 2-1 up in this five-match series, a huge first-innings lead of 311 runs. There was still time for India to face a tricky three overs before lunch. And Chris Woakes then raised English hopes of a victory in Manchester with more than a day to spare by striking with successive balls of the first over of India's second innings as both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan fell for ducks. Jaiswal nicked the fourth ball of the over, a good length delivery that seamed away, to first slip where Joe Root dropped a two-handed chance but clung on with one at the second attempt. Next ball Sudharsan, uncertain whether to play or leave, produced a woeful shot that ended with an outside edge to Harry Brook at second slip. AFP | Darren Staples India captain Shubman Gill survived a legside hat-trick ball from veteran paceman Woakes but at lunch the tourists were still in dire straits at 1-2. England resumed in the already commanding position of 544-7 after Root had become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history during his majestic 150 on Friday. - Stokes hits out - Stokes, 77 not out overnight after briefly leaving the field with cramp Friday following his first fifty of the series, was in superb touch Saturday. The left-handed batsman twice cover-drove Mohammed Siraj for superb fours as he went to 88. Stokes charged down the pitch to drive Bumrah for three to go to 99 and then spent several deliveries one run short of three figures, with the world's top-ranked Test bowler beating the England skipper on the outside edge. But Stokes went to his century with a leg-glanced four off paceman Bumrah -- his ninth boundary in 164 balls faced. It was all-rounder Stokes' first Test hundred in over two years following a whirlwind 155 against Australia at Lord's in June 2023. The 34-year-old celebrated his 14th century in 115 Tests by clenching his fist, looking to the sky and making a crooked finger gesture in honour of his late father Ged Stokes before raising his bat to a cheering crowd. His hundred capped a brilliant display with both bat and ball by Stokes, England's leading bowler this series, after the lively fast-medium seamer had taken 5-72 in India's first-innings 358. AFP | Darren Staples Stokes is just the fourth England player to take five wickets and score a hundred in the same Test after Tony Greig, Ian Botham -- who did it five times -- and the currently sidelined Gus Atkinson. With the shackles off, Stokes then straight drove Washington Sundar for six -- although his expression suggested he thought he would be caught on the boundary -- and next ball he reverse swept the off-spinner for four. Stokes then launched Ravindra Jadeja for six but next ball, trying to repeat the stroke, he holed out off the left-arm spinner with England exactly 300 runs ahead at 658-9 before Bryson Carse, who mad a useful 47, was last man out when he too was caught in the deep off Jadeja, who finished with 4-143 from 37.1 overs. By Julian Guyer
The South African
8 hours ago
- The South African
Proteas take World Test Championship mace on tour of Langa
The Proteas took to the streets of Langa in Cape Town to celebrate their historic World Test Championship win, parading the coveted mace through the hometown of team captain Temba Bavuma. Hundreds of residents lined the roads, waving flags and cheering as the national cricket team walked alongside local supporters in a festive and emotional show of pride. Children held handmade signs while others reached out to greet the players, who paused regularly to sign memorabilia and pose for photos. The event marked the start of the Cape Town leg of the championship victory tour, which aims to connect the national team with communities often overlooked in major sporting celebrations. 'I think for these kids it will feel different. They watch us on TV. Now they see us live. They see that we are just like them. It helps them believe in their own goals,' said Bavuma, addressing the crowd before the team continued on their tour bus. The symbolic journey through Langa holds personal significance for Bavuma, who grew up in the area. Organisers said the event was not only about honouring the team's achievement but also about inspiring young people to pursue sporting ambitions and making cricket more accessible to all South Africans. The tour will continue through other parts of Cape Town in the coming days, with more stops planned to allow fans across the city to celebrate with the team. The Proteas' World Test Championship victory over Australia at Lord's last month has been hailed as a major moment for South African sport, with this tour reinforcing efforts to unite the country behind the success of its national teams. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
