Versatile front rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels will look to put in some more barnstorming performances for the Bulls to stake a Springbok claim ahead of the mid-year Tests. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
The Springboks concluded their first national alignment camp in Cape Town this past week and head coach Rassie Erasmus was happy with the first steps they've taken in a challenging 2025.
While he and his fellow coaches were able to share their plans with the 56 players attending, Erasmus hopes it has laid the foundation for the international season where the Boks will play around 15 Tests and a friendly match against the Barbarians.
Independent Newspapers looks at five players who must use this information from the camp in the United Rugby Championship (URC) to stake a claim for a place in the mid-year Tests.
Yet to make his Bok debut, Van Wyk will be keen to keep marching on with his brilliant performances for the Lions, despite an injury curbing those plans in the local derbies.
But he has been consistent in his games over the last couple of seasons and should be close to breaking through to the Springbok team.
The South African coaches will have to start the search for replacements, especially for the injury-ridden Lukhanyo Am and Van Wyk looks to be a sure fit to take over the position.
Probably the Springbok winger that plenty of fans will want to see in the jersey again. He has one cap behind his name, but the winger has shown he can be just as deadly as Cheslin Kolbe or Kurt-Lee Arendse.
Van der Merwe only needs an opportunity to prove that, and after this camp, he will hopefully be more involved with the Boks this season.
He's brilliant under the high ball, strong on attack and defence, and like Kolbe and Arendse, the speedster only needs a sniff of a gap to take it and put on points for his side.
Whether he is scrummaging at loosehead prop or hooker, the Boks know they have a gem in the versatility of Wessels. Now, it's only about strengthening the player in those positions.
That would've been a priority for the world champions at the first alignment camp ahead of a tough season.
Wessels will give his coaches plenty of options when he's available, including selecting a versatile replacement front row, allowing them to send on a full Bomb Squad.
It was his second opportunity at a Springbok alignment camp and one he would've grabbed with both hands. Fouche is at the peak of his scrummaging but hasn't had a Bok chance yet.
He will want to continue that good form at the Stormers as they enter a crucial stage of their URC, looking to make the playoffs.
But, for that, he must start more matches ahead of Bok incumbent Frans Malherbe. Fouche scrummaged well against the Bulls in his last game, but his work rate impressed too and that is what Erasmus looks for.
It could be the year the flight-footed and robust Sharks loosie adds to that sole Bok cap he has so far. He's been playing some good rugby for the Sharks and his versatility may count in his favour this year.
Able to play in virtually any loose forward position, he will benefit from an extended starting berth at the Sharks.
He showed his skillset in the last URC match against the Lions and if he continues on that form, another Bok match or two should be on the cards for him in 2025.