South African rookies to watch in new URC season

Another United Rugby Championship season is upon us and, no doubt, there will be all manner of twists and turns as the South African teams negotiate a nine-month marathon. There will also be plenty of new faces as squad depth is tested.

Here are four rookies to keep an eye on.

Jean Smith | Sharks

The former SA Under-20 fly-half is set for action much sooner in the Sharks’ URC campaign than he might have expected because of an injury crisis in the position.

Jordan Hendrikse has had a serious back issue for some time and will miss the first month of the URC, as will Siya Masuku (shoulder). Smith came through strongly towards the end of the Currie Cup and is set for a URC meeting in Glasgow on Friday with his father, Franco, the Warriors’ coach.

Lubalelo Dobela | Lions

While not exactly a rookie in terms of age, Dobela is relatively new to the URC scene and, like Smith at the Sharks, will be in action sooner than foreseen because of injury to a first-choice 10.

In this case, it is Chris Smit, who suffered a sickening blow to the head in the Currie Cup final. Dobela slotted in neatly for Smit and coolly kicked what looked like the winner in the dramatic closing moments of the match.

Riley Norton | Stormers

The Junior Springbok captain is a rising star of South African sport — he is equally accomplished at cricket as at rugby — and a few telling performances for Western Province in the Currie Cup were enough to persuade John Dobson to call him into the Stormers squad.

Lock forward Norton is just 19, but Dobson can spot rare leadership and talent a mile away.

Cheswill Jooste | Bulls

The SA Under-20 wing was so impressive in helping his country win the World Under-20 title in July that Bok coach Rassie Erasmus invited him (and three others) to train with the Springboks.

Jooste is just 18, but with his blistering pace and elusive footwork, he looks destined to follow in the footsteps of players such as Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe.