The Springboks will kick off their Rugby Championship title defence with a clash against the Wallabies on 16 August, and they will be determined to meet some key targets over the course of the six tournament fixtures.
On an individual basis, some huge gains could also be made, and here are three players we believe could emphatically enhance their reputations this season.
Cobus Wiese
The 28-year-old only just made his Test debut as a substitute against Italy before going on to start his first game against Georgia in the Springboks’ last match. However, in that time he has seemingly jumped to the top of the pecking order at No 8 in the absence of other injured players, and also as a result of his brother Jasper’s four-game suspension. With size (1.97m, 116kg) on his side along with versatility (he can play at lock and in the back row), it’s no surprise the Springbok coaches like what they see in the dynamic forward who really looks set for a breakthrough year.
Edwill van der Merwe
The flying wing has scored five tries in three Tests, and he already just looks so comfortable in Springbok colours. Boasting similar attributes to the likes of Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, Van der Merwe will know how tough the competition is, but there is no doubt that Rassie Erasmus will likely want to see how he can handle himself against more challenging opposition during the Rugby Championship. It should present a real opportunity for him to make a name for himself.
Asenathi Ntlabakanye
The big man has done enough to impress the national coaches during the July internationals to retain his place in the squad for the start of the Rugby Championship. With physical attributes that allow him to stand out from the pack, Ntlabakanye possesses all the abilities to become the latest ‘cult hero’ in Springbok colours. The 26-year-old featured against the Barbarians before making his debut off the bench against Italy, and you can expect him to get more game-time to make his mark during the Rugby Championship. The rugby world should be on high alert.
LATEST SPRINGBOK SQUAD FOR THE START OF THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP:
Forwards: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Jean-Luc du Preez (Bordeaux Begles), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Vincent Koch (Sharks), Siya Kolisi (Sharks), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Boan Venter (Edinburgh), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls), Cobus Wiese (Vodacom Bulls).
Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks), Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Ethan Hooker (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Manie Libbok (Hanazono Kintetsu Liners), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls), Handre Pollard (Vodacom Bulls), Cobus Reinach (Stormers), Edwill van der Merwe (Sharks), Morne van den Berg (Lions), Grant Williams (Sharks), Damian Willemse (Stormers).
WHAT ARE YOUR PREDICTIONS FOR THE TOURNAMENT?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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