This past weekend the Springboks secured the biggest-ever win over the All Blacks, and they did so without experienced stars such as Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, Handre Pollard Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel and Willie le Roux.
It’s a huge credit to the Springboks’ depth, and would have undoubtedly served as a warning to some Springbok stalwarts that they will need to improve their performances in order to compete with a ‘younger’ crop of rising talent.
From Jan-Hendrik Wessels to Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to Canan Moodie to Ethan Hooker, the Springbok coaches reaped massive rewards from their decision to bring in an injection of fresh blood for the recent clash against the All Blacks.
It’s clear that ‘project 2027’ has well and truly taken off as the Springboks build towards their next title defence, while striking a balance between some stalwarts and other more youthful stars.
Springboks on a mission
Ideally, the Springbok coaches want to have at least two high quality options in each position, and one area where this has been a problem is at No 8.
Jasper Wiese returned from suspension this past weekend and produced a mammoth performance, which served as yet another unequivocal reminder that he is the first-choice in this position.
However, when it comes to depth at No 8, there have been some struggles to find a suitable back up option – as evidenced during Wiese’s four-match suspension.
It’s with this in mind that the Springboks should remain extremely exciting by the prospect of one other ‘next gen’ star.
Next big thing
There is simply no doubt that Cameron Hanekom would have already added to his solitary Test cap if not for a serious knee injury that ruled him out for this year.
The talented 23-year-old – who walked away with almost every award available to him at the latest end-of-season Bulls Awards Ceremony – is expected to return to action in the URC at the end of this year.
Boasting incredible athleticism, physicality and a remarkable work rate, Hanekom has already demonstrated that he has all the attributes to add an invaluable weapon to the Springboks’ arsenal at No 8.
“At the moment, I just want to focus on getting back, getting stronger and pushing towards that (Springbok) dream again,” he said during a recent interview with SuperSport. “So watch this space, I’m coming back with a bang!”
This will be music to the ears of the Springbok coaches, and if Hanekom can stay fit and injury-free, there is every chance he will join a younger crop of up-and-coming players who can add real magic to the team’s journey toward the 2027 World Cup.
