The international rugby season is officially a week away, and as the anticipation builds to see a few familiar faces in green and gold run back onto the field with the iconic Springbok emblem on their chest, it is perhaps more so the newer recruits that will be looking to make an impression.
Last year, Stormers flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu made the most of his opportunities when he made his debut appearance against Wales in an exhibition match at Twickenham Stadium, now renamed the Allianz Stadium.
The 22-year-old came off the bench to slot a 60-meter penalty which not only captured the attention of the entire rugby community, but also secured him two appearances in a match against the old foe, the All Blacks as well as a nomination for World Breakthrough Player of the Year at last year’s World Rugby Awards ceremony.
With Sacha being a mere drop in the ocean of a bigger pool of talent that South Africa possesses, more players would be looking to do the same if allowed to play this year.
Earlier, the Bok coach has made it clear that his vision is long-term and with the majority of his 2023 World Cup-winning squad being 30 years and above, Rassie has included several young stars in his alignment camps that are worth looking at.
Jurenzo Julius
The Namibian-born, Paul Roos-schooled centre has been exciting talent to watch as of late. Known for his explosive energy, but equally physical presence, he has been an integral part of the Sharks’ core in the absence of regular outside centre Lukhanyo Am.
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Ethan Hooker
Rugby is, after all, a team sport, and someone who has been equally impressive has been Jurenzo’s fellow teammate, the utility back Ethan Hooker. Standing at 1,93 meters tall and 98 kg in weight, the 22-year-old has been a try-scoring machine for the Durban-based franchise, the Sharks. Ethan has also been included in Rassie’s alignment squad and has been named in the reduced 54-man squad earlier this month.
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Edwill van der Merwe
While not so young anymore, Edwill is relatively inexperienced playing at the international level. Last year, the then 28-year-old displayed a man-of-the-match performance in South Africa’s 41-13 victory over Wales in his debut. Since then, he has not yet played in the Springbok colours due to injury. However, this exciting back will be looking to learn from his teammates Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe while adding his own flair to a star-studded team.
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Ntokozo Makhaza
Hailing from Harrismith in the Free State, yet shining in the blue and white hoops of the University of Cape Town in the Varsity Cup, 23-year-old Ntokozo Makhaza has been a name frequently uttered by many in the rugby circles.
Not only has he earned the winner’s medal after a successful VC campaign, but he has also gained individual accolades as the competition’s top point scorer, a contract at his local side the Free State Cheetahs, and a call-up to the Springbok alignment camp.
While he may have been released to return to his club along with several others, one thing is certain: with coach Rassie, anything could be possible.
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Also see: Proud father, Nick Feinberg, celebrates Sacha’s official Springbok capping ceremony
