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One player who must make his Springbok debut in November


As the Springboks have sought to expand their depth this season, as many as 49 players have been used across 10 Test matches, with three more games remaining in 2024.

There is no doubt that a few more ‘newcomers’ could be added to the mix for the end-of-year tour, particularly if they continue to impress in the URC.

Prior to the start of the 2024 season, it’s worth remembering that rising Bulls star Cameron Hanekom was very much in the Springbok picture, having advanced his cause with a stunning Man of the Match performance in the Bulls’ URC semi-final against Leinster.

Hanekom certainly looks to have all the attributes that would appeal to the national coaches, with the 22-year-old boasting immense physicality and work rate, while he is highly effective as both a ball carrier and strong defender. He also possesses that so-called ‘warrior spirit’ that the Springboks value so highly.

An unfortunate injury ruled Hanekom out of selection at the worst possible time just as the Test season got under way, with Elrigh Louw and Jasper Wiese sharing duties at No 8 after Evan Roos fell by the wayside.

The youngster has now made a full recovery, though, and looks to have picked up right where he left off after immediately impressing for the Bulls as the new URC campaign got under way last month.

It certainly seem that it is just a matter of time before Hanekom earns an opportunity with the Springboks if he continues on this trajectory, and the end-of-year tour looks almost certain to be the stage when he makes his first international appearance.

ON THE SPRINGBOK RADAR

Earlier this year, Bulls coach Jake White highlighted the qualities Hanekom possesses.

“He will get better, he is 22 and he is currently keeping Marcell Coetzee out of the team,” White said after the last URC semi-final. “He showed he can play at this level. It is probably the best he has played for us since he has come in. He has had moments when he has played well, but over the 80 minutes he was superb. He was man of the match and that is fantastic for us.”

DO YOU AGREE THAT HANEKOM IS READY FOR A TEST CAP?

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