The start of a new year resets the competition between players promising to become stars for the Springboks. – Which one do you think is suitable for a breakout season?
Morne van den Berg and Kwan Horn He was one of four Lions stars to make his Bok debut in 2024 and qualified after helping lead the Pride from Vodacom URC underdogs to regular play-off challengers and top-four contenders for the EPCR Challenge Cup.
Horn’s only appearance for South Africa ended with the match against Portugal. However, the knee injury to incumbent Bok full-back Aphelele Fassi and the impending departure of two-time World Cup winner Willie le Roux from the Bok team have opened up the possibility for the 23-year-old to showcase his talents.
A generous scrum-half with a solid boot and an eye for the gaps, Van den Berg won two Test caps in 2024. He came off the bench for the first time in a historic win over Os Lobos and then scored a vital win over the Wallabies Down Under in rugby. championship.
Kobus Bizet He has made an immediate impact since joining the Vodacom Bulls from Sale Sharks this season, with the powerful utility forward becoming a key player in Jake White’s pack. The 27-year-old’s ability to lock and play in the back row adds valuable depth to the Herd, and Wiese, who was previously part of the wider Bok squad in 2018, will no doubt be delighted with the opportunity to join brother Jasper in green and gold. .
Seamlessly transitions between the Bulls’ inside and outside centers; David Kriel He is a serious threat when it comes to scoring tries, and consistently ranks high in meters gained and times defenders are beaten. The 25-year-old showed his physicality and determination to be as creative and action-oriented as he was a good finisher on the wing.
A standout player in a star-studded backline featuring world champion Boks. Ethan Hooker‘S His ability to play center and wing has not only helped the Sharks, but has also improved his prospects at the next level. After an outstanding 2023-24 season in which Hooker helped the Durbanites win the EPCR Challenge Cup, the 21-year-old has been included in the Bok training squad for 2024. He also starred for the Sharks in their Currie Cup title win this season.
Stormers outside bag Suleiman Hartzenberg His consistent performances at URC and the Investec Champions Cup have cemented his reputation as one of SA’s most exciting young talents. The 21-year-old has featured regularly in a backline filled with quality talent such as Damian Willemse and Manie Libbok, accelerating his development and easing his potential transition to the national team.
The Lions’ tighthead prop weighs nearly 155kg. we are no longer together‘S Due to his strong ball carrying, impressive work rate and relentless defence, he has already been called up to the Bok camp for 2024.
Henko Van Wyk He exploded onto the scene as an opposing ball carrier in 2022, and his penchant for delivering crushing hits out of the backfield added an X-factor to the Lions defense. A defensive wrecking ball, his statistics point to a player with a legitimate all-round game, and the Boks’ breakthrough will owe much to the way he has embraced his role in the outside center channels.
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