The Springboks now have a three-week break before the opening Test in the Rugby Championship, and coach Rassie Erasmus has already indicated that selections would be more consistent for that flagship tournament.
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.
Springboks soon set to trim squad
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.”
Which other players would you like to see back with the Boks?
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.
