While many rugby fans celebrated South Africa’s iconic record-winning fourth World Cup title victory, the sad reality is that many of the senior players who featured in the grand finale this past Saturday, might not be making another appearance at the 2027 show peace.
However, with the unlimited depth that South Africa already has, there are a few promising youngsters who have the potential to take us to glory four years from now, when the tournament kicks off in Australia.
Here are some names that have been making waves on the South African rugby scene and others who could potentially be donning the green and gold soon.
Wings
When it comes to the famous number 11 & 14 jerseys South Africans are spoiled for choice. With Cheslin Kolbe inviting his parents to come and watch him play in what “could be his last World Cup” and Makazole Mapimpi currently 33 years of age already, there is lots of uncertainty about whether the two will have the ability to run out in another world cup.
Meanwhile, three names that do have the potential to fulfill what the role requires are Suleiman Hartzenberg, Canon Moody, and Edwill van de Merwe.
Suleiman Hartzenberg
He is described by many as a member of a “very special generation.” The Stormers’ wing/center is destined for greatness, just like fellow junior springbok Canan Moody, Suleiman has shown that age is indeed nothing but a number. His impressive skills in his debut season for UCT in the Varsity Cup rugby competition has not gone unnoticed, instead, it earned him a call-up to his favorite childhood team, Stormers in 2022.
Since his debut, the youngster has been terrorising the opposition and become an important tool in their attacking systems. He has also been called up to the Springbok ‘A’ towards the end of last year when the Springboks toured the Northern Hemisphere.
View this post on Instagram
Canan Moody
To many, he is the “wonder kid” from Paarl. Despite being the youngest member of the current Springbok squad, Canan has proven that he has what it takes to chill with the big boys.
Since making his international debut at the age of 19, the youngster immediately showed his worth by scoring a try on debut on the wing. More recently he also ran out in the no.13 Jersey in which he can be just as explosive. Many have compared him to former Springbok winger JP Pietersen. Meanwhile if consistent, the lengthy backline player would be 25 by the next World Cup and could use the experience gained to take us to glory again.
View this post on Instagram
Edwill van der Merwe
The 26-year-old try-scoring machine have been making quite a name for himself since entering the professional set-up. The Lion’s speedster has been noticed since varsity days after representing Stellenbosch University in the varsity cup. In the process, he became the top try scorer in the history of the competition. More recently he made his move from the Stormers to the Lions where he continues to entertain the crowd with his try-scoring abilities and unique celebrations.
View this post on Instagram
Phepsi Buthelezi
If consistent the Sharks eighth man and former junior springbok captain can make his way into the Springbok set-up. At just 24 years old the talented forward has been an important part in leadership of the Durban Franchise, The Sharks. He has also been despite falling out to senior and more experienced players when it comes to the senior springbok set-up, Phepsi has been earmarked as a player for the future and has represented the Springbok ‘A’ side towards the end of last year against Irish club Munster.
View this post on Instagram
Also see: WATCH: Hilarious Boks-inspired isiXhosa names given to ‘students’
