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The Citizen
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Six Springbok hopefuls who need to blow the lights out in URC knockouts
A number of players on the fringes of the Springboks will be eager to impress for their franchises in the URC playoffs this weekend. Bulls eighthman Cameron Hanekom and Stormers eighthman Evan Roos will both be looking to impress in the URC playoffs ahead of the coming international season where they will both hope to be in the Springbok mix. Picture: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images The United Rugby Championship (URC) knockouts are set and ready to go, with the quarterfinals to be battled out over the next three days, with South African hopes resting with the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers. All three teams will be eager to progress as far as possible, while several players will be aiming to show their worth, first to try help their side get through to the semi-finals and final and then lift the title, and second to prove that they belong at the highest level, playing on the international stage for the Springboks. With a match against invitational team, the Barbarians, at the end of June, and the Incoming Series against Italy and Georgia in July, a number of fringe players and youngsters could get a chance to break into the Bok fold and make a claim to become a regular member of the team. Here are six players, two from each franchise, that will be aiming to blow the lights out during the URC playoffs over the next few weeks. Bulls Cameron Hanekom It has been a second straight scintillating season for the Bulls loose forward, and he must certainly have his hat firmly in the ring to get a run for the Boks this season, to add to the one cap picked up on last year's end of year tour. Eighthman has had a slight question mark on it since the retirement of Duane Vermeulen after the last World Cup, with Jasper Wiese the current incumbent, while Siya Kolisi has shown for the Sharks this season that he can also assist there when needed, so Hanekom will want to prove there is no need for anyone else. Johan Grobbelaar Hooker has been a problem position for the Boks over the past few years, with them struggling to find a regular third choice option behind Malcom Marx and Bongi Mbonambi. With Mbonambi getting on in years — he is currently 34 — it is vitally important that the Boks find another option for the No 2 jersey. Grobbelaar has been on the Bok fringes and played a few games, but has been unable to take his chance as of yet, and he will be desperate to impress, especially with his teammate, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, who can cover both prop and hooker, showing some top recent form which will give him a leg up. Sharks Vincent Tshituka There have been rumblings about Tshituka representing the Springboks ever since his time at the Lions, but the Congo-born, Johannesburg-bred loose forward has been caught up in a nightmare of bureaucratic red tape around his citizenship for the past few years. Finally at the end of last year both Vincent and his brother Manu (Emmanuel) were given their SA citizenship and passports, but they were still unable to represent the Boks without an SA ID, which they received last month. Vincent was immediately brought into the Boks' recent alignment camp and he will now want to back that up in the playoffs and force his way into the playing squad. Brothers Emmanuel and Vincent Tshituka have Bok colours in their sights. Picture: Gallo Images Ethan Hooker The rising young utility back talent has backed up a breakout previous season with another solid campaign, and he will be eyeing a Springbok debut over the coming international season. The 22-year-old Hooker impressed so much in his debut senior campaign last season that he was brought into the Bok fold. He attended alignment camps and was in the extended squad ahead of the opening Test against Wales last year, but didn't make his debut. He will thus be aiming to put in some monster performances in the URC playoffs, and force his way into the reckoning to make the next step up. Stormers Evan Roos A lot of noise was made after the Stormers eighthman was left out of the second Bok alignment camp, despite having enjoyed another top season for his franchise. Despite his fantastic form for the Stormers, he has yet to fully take the few Bok opportunities he has received over the past few years and impress. His terrific franchise form should, however, see him get another crack in the green and gold this season, but a strong showing in the playoffs could just make that a certainty. With huge competition emerging for the Bok No 8 jersey, it is imperative for Roos to make a statement, and back that up if he gets another shot for the national side. Suleiman Hartzenberg Like Hooker, Hartzenberg is another young exciting rising utility back talent that looks ready to make the step up. The 22-year-old's trajectory is eerily similar to the Sharks talent, with them both playing together for the Junior Boks. But Hartzenberg has made an earlier and bigger mark at franchise level, recently making his 50th appearance for the Stormers. He has also been a part of the Bok alignment camps, but hasn't made it into the squad yet, and he will want to back up his brilliant recent form, since returning from injury, in the playoffs and make sure he is considered come the start of the international season.
The South African
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
'Springboks have to evolve to remain a force'
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus expressed his excitement about the international season ahead as they wrapped up a successful second alignment camp in Cape Town on Friday afternoon. The two-day camp featured a series of boardroom sessions and an optional gym session on Friday, while a bunch of overseas-based players joined the boardroom sessions virtually. The players also participated in a series of Outfox virtual training sessions to familiarise themselves with the new structures. Erasmus shared the excitement among the players after he and the Springboks' assistant coaches made a series of presentations over the two days and said, with the season starting in little over a month against the Barbarians in Cape Town in the first match between the sides in South Africa, the vibe among the players and coaches was electric. 'We are fast approaching the international season, and although most of the players have big matches lined up in their respective competitions before we assemble at our training camp in June, we were pleased with what transpired at the first and second alignment camps, and we believe we are on the right track in terms of our preparations and planning for the season,' said the Springboks boss explained. 'The coaches have been working tirelessly to improve our structures to ensure that we can improve on our performances last season, and it was great to see how the players responded to the adaptations and changes we have made to our structures. 'We have said time and time again that we (Springboks) have to continue to evolve to remain a force at the top level of the game, and although we are under no illusions about the challenging season ahead, we are pleased with the progress we have been making off the field, and we are really looking forward to the season ahead.' Erasmus was also pleased to see the enthusiasm among the new players in the group – Vincent Tshituka, Ntokozo Makhaza, and Juarno Augustus, who tuned in virtually from England – and he believed that this experience would benefit them immensely to grow even further in their careers. 'They are all very talented players, and it was evident how proud they were to have this opportunity to rub shoulders with this group of players, some of whom have been with us since 2018, and to learn from them and the coaches,' said the Bok coach. 'It was also fantastic to see how they interacted with the more experienced players and tried to learn from them, and the coaches in their respective departments.' Erasmus will name his Springbok squad for the June training camp in the next few weeks, where they will begin their preparations for the Barbarians match, the Incoming Series, the Rugby Championship, and the traditional end-of-the-year tour. 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.
The South African
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Proteas tap into Springboks' intelligence before Test Championship final
The Springboks began their second alignment camp in Cape Town, sharing plans for the season with special guests from Cricket South Africa, including Proteas coach Shukri Conrad. The Springboks kicked off their second alignment camp in Cape Town on Thursday, with Rassie Erasmus and his assistant coaches outlining their core plans for the season while they entertained a few special guests in Proteas head coach Conrad and Cricket South Africa's (CSA) High Performance management team. PROTEAS TAP INTO SPRINGBOKS INTELLIGENCE The national cricket team's management joined the morning sessions in a shadowing capacity as they prepare for the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia in London. Also in attendance were the entire SA Rugby Elite Referees Panel for the full day's proceedings in an observation capacity. Erasmus and his right-hand men started the day reiterating the team values, while also zoning in on the areas of the game they intend to focus on this season during a series of boardroom sessions with the locally-based players at the team hotel, and a host of overseas-based players virtually. The camp will conclude on Friday afternoon. The Springboks will launch their 2025 season on Saturday, 28 June against the Barbarians in Cape Town, before embarking on the Incoming Series and Rugby Championship, and will wrap up the season with the traditional end-of-the-year tour. RASSIE: WE HAVE THE SAME GOAL IN MIND The Bok coach was also delighted to welcome Conrad and his key personnel to the camp, and said their presence served as a fine example of how South Africa's national teams could learn from one another as they all strive for success on the international stage. 'Shukri and his team have a massive assignment coming up in the ICC World Test Championship against Australia at Lords in a little under three weeks, and we hope that inviting him and his management team to our alignment camp will assist them as they put the final touches in place for the extravaganza against Australia next month,' said Erasmus. 'I firmly believe in having our national coaches working together and sharing ideas, as we all have the same goal in mind – to make the country proud – so we are thrilled that they took time out of their busy schedules to spend the day with us. 'Hopefully, we can see a lot more collaboration between all our national coaches in the future.' CONRAD: IT'S ALL ABOUT SHARING IDEAS Conrad was equally excited about the opportunity to join the Springboks for the day and said: 'It was very inspiring for us all, especially if you look at the history of the Springboks and what they achieved in the last two Rugby World Cups, which they won back-to-back. They are obviously doing a lot right, so we wanted to see what that is and also learn from one other. 'It's great learning from the different sporting codes, so it was not just about learning from them, it was also a case of us sharing ideas, and that was always the intention when Rassie and I first started chatting.' Conrad added: 'It's a week before we leave for what is our biggest final ever, I'd like to think, and sitting in, listening, and chatting to some of the players and the coaches, and going through the presentations they did and noticing the common threads that go across both platforms was fantastic. 'The language is pretty much the same, and also the implementation of certain things, such as the fact that playing for the Springboks and Proteas has to be the biggest thing.' WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE SPRINGBOKS AND PROTEAS LINK-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.
The South African
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Rassie Erasmus: It was great to meet Springbok newcomers
Earlier this month it was confirmed that Juarno Augustus, Vincent Tshituka, and Ntokozo Makhaza had been invited to their first Springbok alignment camp, which has just concluded this week. Augustus, who was named the World Rugby U20 Player of the Year after a sterling performance for the Junior Boks in Georgia in 2017, was one of the newcomers who joined a virtual session. Meanwhile, Varsity Cup star Ntokozo Makhaza earned a surprise call-up along with Congo-born Vincent Tshituka, who has just qualified to play for South Africa. The Springboks will launch their 2025 season on Saturday, 28 June against the Barbarians in Cape Town, before embarking on the Incoming Series and Rugby Championship, and will wrap up the season with the traditional end-of-the-year tour. 'One could sense the excitement and enthusiasm among the players and coaches to be back together, and to align on our objectives and plans for the season,' said Erasmus. 'It was also great to have the new additions to the squad, Vincent Tshituka and Ntokozo Makhaza, at the camp, as well as Juarno Augustus, who was one of the players invited to join online, where they were exposed to our structures for the first time. 'They gelled in quickly, and it was encouraging to see how they soaked up the information presented to them.' Players invited to Springbok alignment camp in Cape Town (in alphabetical order): Forwards: Renzo du Plessis (Emirates Lions), Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Neethling Fouche (DHL Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls), Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Emirates Lions), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls), Vincent Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (all Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks). Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi (all Hollywoodbets Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers), Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker (all Hollywoodbets Sharks), Quan Horn (Emirates Lions), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls), Morne van den Berg, Edwilll van der Merwe (both Emirates Lions), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks). Players invited to virtual Springbok alignment camp (in alphabetical order): Forwards: Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Jean-Luc du Preez (both Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets). Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (DynaBoars), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier). 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.
The South African
16-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Reminder: Springbok tickets on sale today
The Springboks take on Italy in a two-Test series in Pretoria and Gqeberha in July, before meeting Georgia in Mbombela in the Incoming Series as the Boks return to home soil in Test match action for the first time since a thrilling 48-7 victory over Argentina in September last year. The Bok season not only represents an opportunity to see the back-to-back World Champions in local action but also launches a year in which the Boks will be fighting to defend their No. 1 world ranking to secure the most favourable draw for Rugby World Cup 2027. Tickets for home Test match action will go on sale for the July series on Friday, 16 May, and will be available exclusively from Ticketmaster. You can also join the queue by following this link. Tickets for the Springboks' home matches in their defence of the Rugby Championship title will go on sale one month later, on Friday, 13 June. 28 June: vs Barbarians, DHL Stadium, Cape Town. Kick off: 17:05. 5 July: vs Italy, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria. Kick off: 17:10. 12 July: vs Italy, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha. Kick off: 17:10. 19 July: vs Georgia, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit. Kick off: 17:10. 16 August: vs Australia, Ellis Park, Johannesburg. Kick off: 17:10. 23 August: vs Australia, DHL Stadium, Cape Town. Kick off: 17:10. 6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland. Kick off: 09:05. 13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington. Kick off: 09:05. 27 September: vs Argentina, Kings Park, Durban. Kick off: 17:10. 4 October: vs Argentina, London. Kick off: 15:00. 8 November: vs France, Paris. Kick off: TBD. 15 November: vs Italy, Turin. Kick off: TBD. 22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin. Kick off: 19:40. 29 November: vs Wales, Cardiff. Kick off: 17:10. *SA Rugby are working on adding two more Tests for the Springboks, likely to be against Japan and Portug 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)
