Rassie Erasmus has picked a young group of uncapped players who could shape the Springboks’ future beyond the next World Cup.
Rassie Erasmus has named six uncapped players in his 37-man squad for the Nations Championship. Yaqeen Ahmed, Sebastian de Klerk, Luan Giliomee, Markus Muller, Riley Norton and Emmanuel Tshituka all earn first call-ups.
The Stormers Trio
Three of the newcomers play for the DHL Stormers (1.09).
Riley Norton is a talented lock and a former Junior Springbok captain. He played for the Boks against the Barbarians in the season opener. He has also made a strong start to the season in Cape Town. Norton helped the Junior Springboks win the Junior World Championship.
Yaqeen Ahmed is a 20-year-old flyhalf. He starred in the age-grade side’s World Rugby U20 Championship defence. He also plays with an all-round quality that Erasmus admires. Ahmed puts his body on the line without the ball, which is a major plus. He joined the SA ‘A’ side against Zimbabwe.
Markus Muller is the biggest talking point. The centre only turned 19 in July. He had a mixed World Rugby U20 Championship, but his raw talent is clear. The Stormers handed him a start against the Scarlets on Saturday. He looked comfortable. He could become one of the youngest Springboks ever.
The Bulls Pair
Two newcomers play for the Vodacom Bulls.
Luan Giliomee can play flyhalf or fullback. He is probably the most experienced of the newcomers, though that is not saying much. He played a couple of games for the Sharks last season. Giliomee has since built on that at the Bulls. Giliomee also played for the Blitzboks and won a Junior World Championship.
Sebastian de Klerk is a wing with a point to prove. Injury ruined his chances of making the squad for the southern leg of the Nations Championship. He attended the national alignment camp last season. He has been in fine form at the start of this campaign. Fans will hope he earns a Test debut in November.
The Sharks Powerhouse
Emmanuel Tshituka completes the group. His brother Vincent has already received a Springbok opportunity. Now it is Manny’s turn.
The loose forward has been a key part of the Sharks squad for several years. He has stepped up again at the start of this season. His call-up is deserved. He also played for SA ‘A’ against Zimbabwe.
Why Now?
Erasmus insists the selections are earned: “We’ve had all six players on our radar for a while now,” he said. He added that their franchise performances were “consistent” for two seasons.
He also values depth: “Building squad depth has always been one of our key pillars as a team,” he said.
Injuries opened the door. Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth, Andre Esterhuizen and Handre Pollard all miss the tour. Erasmus said the absences offer “other players the opportunity to put up their hands.”
Facing top teams will be a step up: “There is no doubt facing some of the top teams in elite international rugby will be a completely different challenge,” Erasmus said.
The Boks play Italy, France and Ireland before the Finals Weekend in London. All six newcomers know the stage is big. Erasmus, however, has “full faith” in them.
