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The South African
21-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Springbok Bolters: Top four uncapped players turning heads this season
These emerging talents in are making significant strides in their respective positions and are poised to make an impact at Test level for the Springbok in the near future. The Springboks are blessed a wealth of quality among its core group of players. But when Rassie Erasmus decides to cast his net wider, there won't be a lack of riches in the talent-pool at his disposal because South Africa is blessed when it comes to the next generation of professional players. With that in mind, we bring you the top four best rookies on Rassie Erasmus' radar for potential Springbok selection in the near future. Position: Centre/Wing Age: 21 Hartzenberg has been a standout performer for the Stormers, showcasing his versatility by excelling both on the wing and at outside centre. His impressive speed and agility have made him a key figure in the team's backline. A standout player who reach 50 caps for the Stormers this season, Hartzenberg now has experience on his side, and could serve as very good utility back for Rassie Erasmus' Springboks. Position: Loosehead prop Age: 23 Ntlabakanye has been a dominant force in the scrums for the Lions, earning recognition as one of the top loosehead props in the country. His powerful performances have made him a standout in the URC and he is widely regarded as one of the best in his position. A 145kg giant, his physical dimensions set him apart from the pack, and it would be interesting to see whether the Springbok conditioning coaches could see an opportunity to mould the youngster into an even more formidable weapon in the front row. Position: Wing/Fullback Age: 23 Makhaza has been a revelation in the 2025 Varsity Cup, earning both Player of the Year and Backline Player of the Year honors. His remarkable performance in the final, scoring 32 points, was instrumental in the Ikey Tigers' victory. His move to the Cheetahs for the Currie Cup season marks a significant step in his professional career. The Varsity Cup superstar was a bit of a bolter in the squad selection, but he fully deserves his Springbok call-up, and will add another exciting option on the wing. Position: Loose forward Age: 22 Another rising star in South African rugby, the dynamic loose forward is in the mould of Kwagga Smith, and it stands to reason that the Springboks will be keen to have a closer look at him. Du Plessis had a breakout season in the 2024 Currie Cup, earning the Premier Division Player of the Year award. His dynamic performances caught the attention of national selectors, leading to his inclusion in a Springbok alignment camp. Despite limited minutes for the Lions the URC this season, his domestic form has positioned him as a strong candidate for future national duties. 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. Meanwhile, here is an important reminder on ticket sales for the Springbok men's game against Argentina in the Rugby Championship at Twickenham in October. Ticket sales Tickets are on sale via and England Rugby, starting from just £55* for adults and £28* for Under-16s. (*booking fees apply)
The South African
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Rising star can hardly remember call from Rassie Erasmus
In the latest Springbok group that will gather for an upcoming alignment camp, the biggest 'bolter' in terms of selection was undoubtedly Ntokozo Makhaza. The flying winger was recently named both the 2025 Varsity Cup Player of the Year and Backline Player of the Year, and proved to be an instrumental figure for the UCT Ikey Tigers on their charge to the title. It was the second consecutive year that Makhaza was named Varsity Cup Player of the Year, and it was also his third consecutive Varsity Cup final, which has ultimately earned him both a contract with the Cheetahs and a call-up to the Springboks. 'One morning I had just woken up and I received a call from an unknown number. I picked it up and I hear that tone and it was Rassie,' Makhaza told News24 . 'Do you know who this is?' Erasmus asked. 'I don't remember half the conversation, if I'm honest. I was in shock,' Makhaza recalled. 'But the gist of it was that I had stood out and they just want to have a look at me. 'I'm still in disbelief. Every day I wake up and think: 'Is this really happening?'' 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.
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
UCT rugby sensation Ntokozo Makhaza shocked by Boks alignment camp call up
UCT student and rugby sensation Ntokozo Makhaza has been selected for the Springboks' latest alignment camp. Image: Lerato Maduna BEING selected for the Springboks' latest alignment camp was the last thing on University of Cape Town (UCT) student and rugby sensation Ntokozo Makhaza's mind. After all, the 23-year-old has not yet signed to a professional franchise and is still completing his degree. It's his performances during the recent FNB Varsity Cup that not only saw his Ikey Tigers side clinching the title, but earned him a spot in the country's top 54 players considered for national selection. 'I actually thought they were just reaching out to congratulate me on the Varsity Cup season. It didn't sink in until I saw the official announcement on the Springboks' social media page. I was very surprised that I'm part of the camp; a bit nervous, but excited. I'm just happy and motivated to see that people are watching and monitoring varsity rugby. It inspired me to believe more that the dreams I have are possible.' The Springbok invitation is the latest milestone in what has already been a standout year for Makhaza. He dominated the 2025 Varsity Cup, guiding the UCT Ikey Tigers to victory and earning both Player of the Year and Backline Player of the Year honours – for the second consecutive year. Born in Harrismith in the Free State, Makhaza grew up playing soccer, but switched to rugby in primary school, quickly falling in love with the sport. Inspired by smaller, strategic players like Patrick Lambie, he found his place on the field as a fast, intelligent backline player. He said he is focused on absorbing everything he can during the Springbok alignment camp. 'If anyone would say I would be part of the Springbok aligning camp a few years back or even at the beginning of this year I would have looked at them and laughed. To me it's an honour and I'm privileged and humbled. I think it's been created by the coaches and players because of the opportunity and platform they gave me. I'm humbled and excited for the opportunity. 'To be in the camp is an awesome opportunity of learning for me. The main goal is to learn and absorb as much as I can so that when I join the Cheetahs I'm better than when I was here at UCT. I'm always looking to improve and get better, and I know the camp will provide me with a lot of detail and I will find a lot of growth there.' In July 2025, Makhaza will take the next step in his career by joining the Free State Cheetahs for the upcoming Currie Cup season – a move he sees as both a professional opportunity and a return home. 'They're giving youngsters a chance, and I want to make the most of that. It's about learning, growing and giving my best.' Cape Times
The South African
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Who is the Varsity Cup star called up by Springboks?
On Thursday, Rassie Erasmus named a group of 54 local and overseas-based players to attend the Springboks' next alignment camp, and the biggest 'bolter' in terms of selection was undoubtedly Ntokozo Makhaza. Makhaza has made a name for himself in recent seasons of the Varsity Cup, and it once again demonstrates how the Springboks are willing to reward talented players from different feeder systems. Makhaza, who was recently named both the 2025 Varsity Cup Player of the Year and Backline Player of the Year, proved to be an instrumental figure for the UCT Ikey Tigers on their charge to the title. The fleet-footed winger, who is also a talented goal-kicker, was particularly dominant in the final – contributing a remarkable 32 points against Maties, bringing his season tally to 155. It was the second consecutive year that Makhaza was named Varsity Cup Player of the Year, and it was also his third consecutive Varsity Cup final. Born in Bethlehem in the Free State, the 23-year-old speedster will be joining the Cheetahs ahead of the 2025 Currie Cup season, and there is certainly a lot to like about the powerful outside back. 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.
