At the start of the year, Rassie Erasmus has already presented a multi-faceted plan to the players and management, and the Springbok coach has made it clear that he needs to start blooding some young talent to provide the team with an injection of fresh energy and competition.
“The message we drove through was that it will take a squad effort to perform this season because it won’t be a group of 23 or 25 players that will be doing it for us this year,” he stated.
“The so-called older players understand that in order to prolong their careers they’ll have to transfer knowledge to the younger guys, and at the same time the younger guys know the door is open to work their way into the matchday 23.
“We won’t always play the same matchday squad, so it’s beneficial for a younger guy and the coaches to get new ideas, and we plan to do the same with the players abroad.”
With this in mind, we pick five young talents who are certainly some of the most exciting prospects in South African rugby.
POSSIBLE BREAKTHROUGH STARS FOR THE SPRINGBOKS IN 2025
Jurenzo Julius
The 20-year-old centre from the Sharks is knocking on the Springbok door and setting pulses racing with his scintillating form and natural talent. There is no doubt that the ‘Boogie Man’ is one to watch in 2025.
Asenathi Ntlabakanye
The Lions prop boast 145kgs of pure power, but his work rate, ball-carrying ability and strong defence all contribute to an all-round ‘package deal’ with a massive point of difference for Springboks.
Ethan Hooker
Boasting raw pace and power, the 1.94m and 100kg newcomer has enjoyed a breakthrough season for the Sharks, and has the ability to play on the wing or in the midfield.
Henco van Wyk
Another young centre who looks to have all the qualities to form part of the Springboks’ succession planning in the midfield. If he can stay fit and on form, there is every reason to believe the 23-year-old could be a breakthrough star this year.
Cameron Hanekom
The talented loose forward already has a Test cap to his name, and continues to go from strength to strength at the Bulls. Of all the young talent in South African rugby, the 22-year-old certainly ranks among the most exciting.
ALIGNMENT
The Springboks recently concluded their first in-person alignment camp of the year, which included 16 uncapped players.
Uncapped forwards:
- Ethan Bester
- Neethling Fouche
- Renzo du Plessis
- Francke Horn
- Asenathi Ntlabakanye
- Celimpilo Gumede
- Reinhardt Ludwig
- JF van Heerden
- Cobus Wiese
Uncapped backs:
- Ethan Hooker
- Jurenzo Julius
- Paul de Wet
- Suleiman Hartzenberg
- Henco van Wyk
- Sebastian de Klerk
- David Kriel
All players invited to Springbok alignment camp:
Forwards: Ethan Bester, Phepsi Buthelezi, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane (all Sharks); Ben-Jason Dixon, Joseph Dweba, Neethling Fouche, Deon Fourie, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, Evan Roos, Andre-Hugo Venter (all Stormers); Renzo du Plessis, Francke Horn, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Ruan Venter (all Lions); Johan Grobbelaar, Mpilo Gumede, Cameron Hanekom, Wilco Louw, Reinhardt Ludwig, Ruan Nortje, Gerhard Steenekamp, Akker van der Merwe, JF van Heerden, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (all Bulls).
Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker, Jurenzo Julius, Makazole Mapimpi, Grant Williams (all Sharks); Paul de Wet, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse (all Stormers); Quan Horn, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Henco van Wyk (all Lions); Sebastian de Klerk, David Kriel, Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Embrose Papier (all Bulls).
WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST EXCITED BY?
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
