The Springboks strike up their second alignment camp on Thursday, with Rassie Erasmus inviting 54 players to attend the Cape Town session as they build towards a 15-match schedule this year.
The Bok mentor has an interesting mix of talent to work with over the next few days – both familiar and experimental.
With that in mind, and using the alignment squad as a framework, we look at who we believe Erasmus should select for the Boks’ first clash of the season – a tour match against the Barbarians in Cape Town at the end of June…
Front row
Neethling Fouché, Vincent Koch, Wilco Louw, Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ox Nché, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels; Virtually invited: Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Marnus van der Merwe
Ntlabakanye has had a couple of solid seasons for the Lions; the burly tighthead prop developing a bit of a cult following at Ellis Park.
Earlier this year, former Bok Steven Kitshoff said of the 24-year-old: “He is probably one of the most dangerous front-rowers and, defensively, one of the biggest hitters in the game… Scrummaging-wise, he has come a long way.”
Getting Ntlabakanye into green and gold could do wonders for his confidence after a tough year for his franchise.
He should pack down with Steenekamp at loosehead.
Although Wessels can slot in at hooker, his utility will be invaluable later this season.
Instead, Scarlets No 2 Van der Merwe, in a trial run, should start against the Baabaas.
Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat on playing in his 50th cap against the Lions tomorrow in a crucial tie for his side #STOvLIO #URC pic.twitter.com/R6CqUF9Juw
— Leighton Koopman (@Leighton_K) December 19, 2024
Second row
Eben Etzebeth, Salmaan Moerat, Ruan Nortjé, Cobus Wiese; Virtually: Lood de Jager, Jean Kleyn, Franco Mostert, RG Snyman
Frankly, Etzebeth should not feature in the Incoming Tour matches against the Barbarians, Italy, and Georgia.
He should even be rested during the Rugby Championship and miss the year-end tour entirely.
The most-capped Bok has endured significant wear and tear, and managing his longevity is more important than any individual fixture this year.
Lock is arguably one area where the Boks are a bit thin.
The squad will need to rely on the versatility of their pack – Wiese, Vincent Tshituka, Jean-Luc du Preez and World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit – to cover No 4 and No 5.
For the Baabaas, we would select Moerat as captain, alongside Du Preez.
Loose trio
Renzo du Plessis, Cameron Hanekom, Siya Kolisi, Vincent Tshituka, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese; Virtually: Juarno Augustus, Jean-Luc du Preez, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kwagga Smith
Earlier this year, the Tshituka brothers – Vincent and Emmanuel – became South African citizens, and it is no surprise that Erasmus has moved swiftly to include the elder sibling.
Tshituka is a versatile player who can cover lock, flank and No 8.
For the Baabaas, the 26-year-old should slot in at his preferred blindside flank.
Currie Cup Player of the Year Du Plessis should start at openside, with Augustus packing down at eighthman.
Like the lock pairing, it’s an untested combination – but it could prove exciting.
Halfbacks
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Manie Libbok, Morné van den Berg, Grant Williams; Virtually: Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach, Handré Pollard
Injury concerns may rule out Van den Berg at scrumhalf and Jordan Hendrikse at flyhalf – but if fit, this should be the combination for the Baabaas game.
If not, Erasmus may be forced to risk first-choice players unnecessarily – something he’ll want to avoid in a tour match.
If the Krappies-Jordan combo isn’t available, then perhaps Reinach-Libbok is the next-best option.
Centres
Lukhanyo Am, André Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker, Canan Moodie; Virtually: Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel
Utility will be the watchword in the midfield and outside backs this season, so expect plenty of mixing and matching.
Henco van Wyk should also remain in contention, despite a torrid season with injuries.
Instead, we’ll look to Hooker at inside centre, with Am, Esterhuizen, or Moodie outside him.
Hooker has shown flashes of powerful ball-carrying and defensive maturity at the Sharks, and pairing him with the abrasive Esterhuizen could offer midfield muscle and creative upside.
Wings
Makazole Mapimpi, Ntokozo Makhaza, Edwill van der Merwe; Virtually: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe
The wildcard is 23-year-old Makhaza, and there may be no better opportunity to test his composure in green and gold than against the Baabaas.
The Varsity Cup star is quick-footed, has a strong kicking game, and can cover fullback.
On the other wing, Van der Merwe deserves another opportunity.
He was desperately unlucky last season to be injured shortly after his stand-out debut against Wales. But for that setback, he would likely have several more caps by now.
Fullbacks
Aphelele Fassi, Quan Horn, Willie le Roux, Damian Willemse
Veteran Le Roux is expected to feature heavily against Italy in July and could earn his 100th Bok cap in the second Test in Gqeberha.
What his role in the squad looks like beyond that remains uncertain.
Willemse and Fassi should have limited game-time during this period, leaving Horn to start against the Baabaas and contribute against Italy and Georgia thereafter.
Our Springboks v Barbarians
Starting XV: 15 Quan Horn 14 Edwill van der Merwe 13 André Esterhuizen 12 Ethan Hooker 11 Ntokozo Makhaza 10 Jordan Hendrikse 9 Morné van den Berg 8 Juarno Augustus 7 Vincent Tshituka 6 Renzo du Plessis 5 Jean-Luc du Preez 4 Cobus Wiese 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye 2 Marnus van der Merwe 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
