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The South African
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
How could uncapped players fit into Springbok squad?
The first Springbok training squad of the season, which was confirmed on Thursday by SA Rugby, includes 31 Rugby World Cup players and nine uncapped players in a group of 54. Those nine players in the group are Marnus van der Merwe, Neethling Fouche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese, Renzo du Plessis, Vincent Tshituka, Juarno Augustus, Ethan Hooker and Ntokozo Makhaza. Although this squad will be trimmed closer to the start of the Test season, it is worth considering how these uncapped players could fit into the Springbok team, and what has brought them into the national picture. Ethan Hooker: The versatile Sharks back, who can play at wing or centre, has been loudly knocking on the Springbok door this season. He is surely set for a Test debut sooner rather than later, likely to be on the right wing as someone who can afford Cheslin Kolbe some rest when needed. Juarno Augustus: A standout player for the Northampton Saints this past season, Augustus now has experience on his side, and could provide a very good option at No 8 considering the injuries to other players in this position. Vincent Tshituka: The Congolese-born Tshituka will add some much-needed depth at blindside flank, and it would not be a surprise at all to see him make his debut against Italy or Georgia in July. Ntokozo Makhaza: The Varsity Cup superstar was a bit of a bolter in the squad selection, and it will be interesting to see whether the talented wing has shown enough to tempt the Springbok coaches into offering him an international cap this July. Renzo du Plessis: Another rising star in South African rugby, the dynamic loose forward is in the mould of Kwagga Smith. A debut against Georgia would certainly seem feasible. Neethling Fouche: The Stormers powerhouse prop will add important back up at tighthead, and considering Frans Malherbe is still sidelined with injury, Fouche is due for his first Test cap. Asenathi Ntlabakanye: A 145kg giant, his physical dimensions set him apart from the pack, and perhaps the one-off games against the Barbarians and Georgia will present an opportunity for the big tighthead prop to get a Springbok game under the belt. Marnus van der Merwe: Another position where the Springboks need to build depth is at hooker, and Van der Merwe is deserving of consideration after impressing for Welsh club Scarlets. When Malcolm Marx or Bongi Mbonambi are in need of a rest, the baton should be passed to Van der Merwe Cobus Wiese: With the ability to play at lock and loose forward, the 27-year-old boasts all the physical attributes to make an impact for the Springboks in some of the Tests this season when experimental selection is likely to come into consideration. 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)
Daily Maverick
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Finals fortnight puts hopefuls in Springbok shopping window as Rassie names 54-man squad
The Springbok pecking order may well be shaped by performances in the United Rugby Championship and English Premiership playoffs over the next two weeks. Form matters, and over the years Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has rewarded several players outside of his initial training squad, particularly those who have made a statement in major club finals. With that in mind, Erasmus named a predictable 54-man squad for this season's incoming matches on Thursday, with 30 forwards and 24 backs. It features nine uncapped players and 31 Bok Rugby World Cup winners. History has shown though that players not selected now could force their way into contention. The only obvious 'bolter' is University of Cape Town utility back Ntokozo Makhaza, who starred in the 2025 Varsity Cup but has no senior professional experience. Erasmus has never been afraid to make bold selections though. Cheslin Kolbe and Rynhardt Elstadt earned their first Test caps on the back of a dream run with French club Toulouse in 2018 and 2019 respectively, while the unheralded Jasper Wiese caught the selectors' attention after running over defenders in the English Premiership in 2021. Closer to home, the well-travelled Manie Libbok made his international debut after he steered the Stormers to the United Rugby Championship title in 2022. Erasmus and former Bok coach Jacques Nienaber have often spoken about club playoffs as a testing ground for international players, whether they are capped or not. No 8 Juarno Augustus forced his way into the national conversation recently after excelling for Northampton Saints in the European Champions Cup playoffs, while RG Snyman has had an outstanding season for Leinster. The underutilised Test prop Thomas du Toit reminded all and sundry of his class in Bath's Challenge Cup final triumph. Meanwhile, the South African teams were conspicuous by their absence in this season's European semifinals and finals. While there are many reasons that the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers failed to advance, it ultimately amounts to a missed opportunity. None of the local players hasn't been exposed to the pressure and intensity of the Champions Cup playoffs – which, as many coaches will tell you, is a lot closer to Test rugby than the respective domestic tournament, and thus a better gauge of an individual's form and aptitude ahead of the international season. URC playoffs to provide answers That said, the URC and Premiership playoffs may provide Erasmus with some answers over the next two weeks. While the Boks will employ different patterns and systems over the course of the 2025 Test season, and may use certain individuals in different roles, it's worth noting who's firing at the business end of the club schedule. Some critics have been quick to dismiss the Stormers' recent capitulation in Glasgow, where the Cape side went down 36-18 to the Warriors. But again, it must go down as a missed opportunity in a club and national context. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was on fire in the latter rounds of the URC league phase, while Libbok made a rousing return in the last home fixture against Cardiff. While the Stormers travelled to Glasgow as underdogs, Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Libbok were expected to stand tall. In the end, they underwhelmed along with the rest of the touring party, and Erasmus would have taken note. The Bulls and Sharks have a history of choking in big matches, with the former losing two of the past three URC finals. While the Sharks won the second-tier Challenge Cup last season, they have not won a Champions Cup quarterfinal and, until last Saturday, had not won a URC playoff fixture. The Bulls will look to Springbok leaders such as Willie le Roux in the coming semifinal against the Sharks, while form players such as prop Wilco Louw, utility forwards Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Ruan Nortje, flanker Marco van Staden and winger Canan Moodie will have the chance to strengthen their bid for a place in the Bok squad this July. Uncapped players Cobus Wiese and David Kriel, who were invited to national alignment camps earlier this season, will be desperate to make a statement, while hooker Johan Grobbelaar may be determined to show Erasmus why he was wrong to leave him out of the most recent squad. The Sharks beat the Bulls twice during the URC league phase and also won last year's Currie Cup semifinal in Pretoria. Whether they have the endurance to win this weekend at Loftus Versfeld is another story, after emptying the tank in a 1oo-minute marathon against Munster, which was eventually decided by a place-kicking shootout. Hooker strengthens case for selection Sharks wing/centre Ethan Hooker certainly strengthened his case for a Bok cap in that quarterfinal, after scoring a game-breaking try. The 22-year-old has been one of the Sharks' most consistent performers over the course of the season, and yet his ability to deliver at the do-or-die stage of the campaign won't have gone unnoticed by national selectors. If Hooker continues to deliver in this fashion on Saturday, and possibly in next week's final, Erasmus will have to find a place for the versatile player in a Bok group stacked with backline options. The Sharks struggled to get a foothold in that fixture, but the senior Boks showed their class as the match progressed. The injury-ravaged Eben Etzebeth has only played seven matches for the Sharks this past season but is finding some form in the latter stages. Meanwhile, players who have been on the fringe of Bok selection in recent seasons, such as prop Ntuthuko Mchunu and loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi, are peaking at the right time. 'We used a total of 50 players last season in an attempt to balance the load on them, while at the same time building towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia,' Erasmus said. 'With a few more talented youngsters in this group, we hope that they will learn valuable lessons and stake a strong claim for places in what will be a challenging yet exciting season.' An eye on the Premiership playoffs The Japanese season recently concluded, and while his side Kubota Spears went down in the final, Bok hooker Malcolm Marx capped an outstanding campaign with yet another fine performance. Thomas du Toit will be in action again for Bath in the coming weeks, as Johann van Graan's team attempts to clinch a long-awaited Premiership title and finish the season with three trophies. Handré Pollard's Leicester Tigers may have something to say about that, although their most pressing assignment is a showdown with the Sale Sharks this Saturday. Jean-Luc du Preez is having an impressive season for the Sale Sharks, and a strong performance in the Premiership playoffs may increase his chances of Bok selection later this season. While it's great to see South African players performing abroad and winning titles, it's fair to say that the local teams are overdue a major trophy. With the Bulls playing the Sharks in the second URC semifinal this Saturday, South African rugby is guaranteed a representative in the decider for the fourth successive season. It remains to be seen whether that game will be staged in South Africa or in Dublin – and local fans will be hoping that Glasgow pull off an upset when they visit Leinster in the first semifinal. Either way, the top players will need to stand tall in the semifinal and final if South African rugby is to take some momentum into the international season. DM Springbok squad (in alphabetical order) Forwards: Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Renzo du Plessis (Emirates Lions), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Neethling Fouche (DHL Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (both Sharks), Wilco Louw (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu (both Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls), Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Bulls), Cobus Wiese (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks). Backs: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi (both Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker (all Sharks), Quan Horn (Lions), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Manie Libbok (Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT), Canan Moodie (Bulls), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Morne van den Berg, Edwilll van der Merwe (both Lions), Damian Willemse (Stormers), Grant Williams (Sharks).
The South African
8 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
REVEALED: How nine uncapped newbies fit into Springbok picture?
A 54-man squad local and overseas-based players have been named for the Springboks' upcoming mid-year Tests starting later month. The group includes nine uncapped players, namely Ethan Hooker, Juarno Augustus, Vincent Tshituka, Ntokozo Makhaza, Renzo du Plessis, Neethling Fouche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Marnus van der Merwe, and Cobus Wiese. Ethan Hooker: A centre who is currently playing on the wing because his team needs him to, Hooker's strengths are his dominant ball-carrying, defence and breakdown ability. He brings a different type of versatility to the Springbok backline than the established utility backs in the squad. Neethling Fouche: The powerful Stormers tighthead prop provides much-needed cover for Frans Malherbe, who has been left out of the squad as he recovers from injury. Fouche looks set to earn his first Test cap and brings strength to the front row. Asenathi Ntlabakanye: Weighing in at 145kg, Ntlabakanye's sheer size makes him a standout figure. The Springbok coaching staff may see an opportunity to develop him into a dominant force in the scrum. Marnus van der Merwe: Hooker is another area where depth is needed, and Van der Merwe made a strong case for inclusion following impressive performances with the Scarlets in Wales and this form has now been rewarded with an official squad call-up. Vincent Tshituka: Born in the Congo, Tshituka recently obtained his South African ID, making him eligible for national selection. His inclusion bolsters the Springboks' depth at blindside flank, a position in need of reinforcement. Ntokozo Makhaza: A standout in the Varsity Cup, Makhaza's selection may have come as a surprise, but it's well earned. His pace and flair make him a thrilling addition to the wing options. Cobus Wiese: At 27, Wiese offers versatility with the ability to play both lock and loose forward. With his physicality and adaptability, he's well-positioned to feature in the mid-year Tests where squad rotation and experimentation are expected. Juarno Augustus: A key performer for the Northampton Saints this season, Augustus now brings valuable experience to the table. With injuries affecting the No. 8 position, he could be a strong and timely option for the Springboks during these rebuilding phase. Renzo du Plessis: Du Plessis is one of the brightest young prospects in South African rugby. A dynamic loose forward in the same mould as Kwagga Smith, he is likely to attract serious interest from the Springbok selectors. 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 Blueskyfor the latest news.
IOL News
8 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
New faces in Springbok squad: Nine uncapped players named for 2025 Tests
University of Cape Town rookie winger Ntokozo Makhaza has been called up to the Springbok squad ahead of the 2025 Test season. Image: BackpagePix Nine uncapped players were named in the first Springbok squad for the 2025 international season as Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus selected a large group of 54 players for the opening Tests. The squad that attended the second alignment camp in Cape Town last month remains the same, with five other Boks not selected due to injuries. In total, Erasmus opted for 30 forwards and 24 backline players. The world champions start their season on the 28th of June against the Barbarians in Cape Town, before facing Italy in back-to-back Tests in Pretoria (5 July) and Gqeberha (12 July). They will end the mid-year matches with a one-off Test against Georgia in Mbombela (19 July). The nine uncapped players are Scarlets' hooker Marnus van der Merwe, Lions duo, prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye and flanker Renzo du Plessis, Bulls utility forward Cobus Wiese, the Stormers' Neethling Fouché, Vincent Tshituka and Ethan Hooker of the Sharks, Northampton Saints' eighth man Juarno Augustus, and Varsity Cup start Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT Tigers). All the available players will join Erasmus and his coaches in camp on Monday 8 June in Johannesburg, while a staggered approach will be taken with those still in action in their respective club competitions. The Boks will start their on-field training on Monday already. 'We were very pleased with the two Springbok alignment camps we hosted, and we are excited to have the luxury of announcing a squad with so much depth and talent,' Erasmus said in a statement. 'Having an expanded squad will not only allow us to have productive training sessions, but it will also bode well for the younger players in the group to learn from the senior players, many of whom are Rugby World Cup champions. 'We take pride in offering talented young players a chance to work first-hand with the coaches and to expose them to standards at international level, and we are excited to see them showcase their skills at the camp.'
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Surprises in Rassie's first Bok squad of 2025, nine uncapped players included
Nine uncapped players have been included in the Springboks' first squad of the season, which sees five players miss out due to injury. Ntokozo Makhaza of UCT Ikeys has been included in the first Springboks squad of the season. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images Varsity Cup player Ntokozo Makhaza is one of nine uncapped players selected for Rassie Erasmus' Springbok training squad for the opening stages of the international season, which kicks off on 28 June against the Barbarians, followed by the Castle Lager Incoming Series. The Springbok boss named the same 54 players who attended the squad's second national alignment camp in Cape Town, including 31 Rugby World Cup players. Thirty forwards and 24 backs are in the mix. The nine uncapped players are Marnus van der Merwe, Neethling Fouche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese, Renzo du Plessis, Vincent Tshituka, Juarno Augustus, Ethan Hooker, and Ntokozo Makhaza. The available players, which include the full Japan-based contingent following the conclusion of their season, will assemble in Johannesburg on Sunday, 8 June, and begin their on-field preparations on Monday. The remainder of the players will join the squad as they complete their club commitments. 'We were very pleased with the two Springbok alignment camps we hosted, and we are excited to have the luxury of announcing a squad with so much depth and talent,' Erasmus said, adding he took pride in offering talented young players a chance as they built towards the 2027 World Cup in Australia. Springbok squad: Forwards: Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Renzo du Plessis (Lions), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Neethling Fouche (Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Bulls), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (both Sharks), Wilco Louw (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu (both Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls), Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Bulls), Cobus Wiese (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks). Backs: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi (both Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker (all Sharks), Quan Horn (Lions), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Manie Libbok (Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT), Canan Moodie (Bulls), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Morne van den Berg, Edwilll van der Merwe (both Emirates Lions), Damian Willemse (Stormers), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks). Players not considered due to injury: Frans Malherbe, Elrigh Louw, Ben-Jason Dixon, Deon Fourie and Trevor Nyakane.
