The world champion Springboks will soon be back in action, with a blockbuster 2024 Test schedule set to start with a clash against Wales.
As we look ahead to the highly anticipated international season, there are three players – who haven’t been spoken of much in a Springbok context – who could work their way into the Springbok mix.
Our picks for three Springbok bolters
The last couple of months have been quite incredible for Sharks flyhalf Siya Masuku, who has undoubtedly hit the best form of his career.
After displacing Curwin Bosch in the No 10 jersey, he has gone from strength to strength, playing a massive role in the Sharks’ resurgence.
The 27-year-old’s composure, game management and accuracy off the kicking tee could certainly make him a contender for the Springboks’ one-off Tests against Wales and Portugal. It’s in those games where the Bok coaches are certain to experiment with some selections.
“Siya’s a lovely story, isn’t he? He’s played well on the big stage now,” Sharks coach John Plumtree said this past weekend after Masuku scored 22 points to lead the Durban side into the Challenge Cup final. “I’m just really happy for him. He’s a very humble character. He feels very honoured to be playing in this jersey and he’s making the most of his opportunities.
“He’s still going to get better. His skill set can improve, his passing can improve, he can improve as an athlete. He hasn’t reached anywhere near his ceiling yet. He’s a confident little player.
“His kicking is great, when he goes for touch, he doesn’t just try for 30 metres, he looks for 40 metres. I love his attitude around the game and the players like him. He is riding the crest of the wave at the moment.”
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Meanwhile, former Junior Springbok Tyrone Green has enjoyed yet another standout season for Harlequins – highlighted again by an incredible try that he both created and finished off this past weekend.
When fit and on form, Green has consistently been one of the most dangerous backline players for ‘Quins for quite some time, while being highly regarded as one of the most clinical wings in the Premiership.
With outside backs such as Willie le Roux and Makazole Mapimpi unlikely to feature as much for the Springboks in the next few years, it’s a prime opportunity to rope in a versatility utility back such as Green.
Another factor is that he could soon qualify to play for England based on residency rules, but he has stated his preference to play for the Springboks, and coach Rassie Erasmus would do well to snap him up sooner rather than later.
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Another Springbok ‘bolter’ could certainly be Juarno Augustus, who has truly revived his career at the Northampton Saints, helping lead the club to the top of the English Premiership.
The versatile loose forward has always been spoken of as a potential future Springbok, ever since announcing his arrival on the senior state after he was named the World Rugby U20 Championship Player of 2017.
Augustus could offer a dynamic, physical, ball-carrying addition to the Springboks’ rich back-row resources.
“If I can be the best player I can be, I think I can get a foot in the door,” said Augustus, in a recent interview with Planet Rugby. “But I have had no chats with the (South Africa) coaches. It’s about letting my rugby do the talking for me.”