As the Springboks get set for the first alignment camp of 2024, we pick three players who could be in line for a Test debut if they impress.
On March 5 and 6, the Springboks will convene for a two-day alignment camp. Of the roster of 43 players, up to 16 are uncapped.
June will see South Africa play their first Test match against Wales. Following that, they will play two Test matches against Ireland and a single match against Portugal.
Practically speaking, several “newcomers” who shine at alignment camp and in the home arena could earn their maiden Springbok cap during the match against Portugal.
These players are the ones we believe would benefit the most from the alignment camp, keeping that in mind.
Sanele Nohamba
Nohamba may play at flyhalf in the first Test of the year against Wales, according to reports. This is especially likely to happen if Stormers stars Damian Willemse and Manie Libbok are ruled out of the Test match in the event that the Stormers go to the URC final. Interestingly, Handre Pollard would not have to be released by Leicester Tigers for the June game.
The alignment camp will still offer Nohamba a great chance to demonstrate that his small stature shouldn’t disqualify him from Test consideration, even if the Springboks end up having all of these players available. This is especially true given his versatility in playing at scrumhalf.
Cameron Hanekom
With Duane Vermeulen having retired and Evan Roos perhaps slipping down the pecking order, there is a great opportunity for Bulls loose forward Cameron Hanekom to make a massive impression.
The youngster just seems to have all the raw potential that could appeal to a coach like Rassie Erasmus, who has never been afraid to back ‘warriors’ who he feels he can mould into future Springboks.
Neethling Fouche
The powerhouse Stormers prop should also be set for a Test debut this year considering that the Springbok do need to start building some further depth at prop.
Fouche is now 31 years old, and truly earned his stripes as a veteran front rower who has soaked up plenty of knowledge from someone like Frans Malherbe.
NEWCOMERS IN THE SPRINGBOKS’ ALIGNMENT CAMP
UNCAPPED PLAYERS INVITED:
| Name | Age | Position | Team |
| Ruan Venter | 22 | Flank | Lions |
| Jan-Hendrik Wessels | 22 | Hooker | Bulls |
| Mpilo Gumede | 23 | Flank | Bulls |
| Henco van Wyk | 22 | Centre | Lions |
| Sanele Nohamba | 25 | Scrumhalf/flyhalf | Lions |
| Jordan Hendrikse | 22 | Flyhalf | Lions |
| Morne van den Berg | 26 | Scrumhalf | Lions |
| Cameron Hanekom | 21 | Loose forward | Bulls |
| Quan Hỏn | 22 | Fullback | Lions |
| Johan Grabbelaar | 26 | Hooker | Bulls |
| Suleiman Hartzenberg | 20 | Centre | Stormers |
| Neethling Fouche | 31 | Prop | Stormers |
| Andre-Hugo Venter | 22 | Hooker | Stormers |
| Marnus van der Merwe | 27 | Hooker | Cheetahs |
| Ruben van Heerden | 26 | Lock | Stormers |
| Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu | 21 | Flyhalf/centre | Stormers |
THE FULL 43-PLAYER ALIGNMENT CAMP SQUAD
Forwards: Eben Etzebeth, Neethling Fouche*, Johan Grobbelaar*, Celimpilo Gumede*, Cameron Hanekom*, Andre-Hugo Venter*, Vincent Koch, Elrigh Louw, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Malcolm Marx, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Salmaan Moerat, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Evan Roos, Kwagga Smith, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marnus van der Merwe*, Ruben van Heerden*, Marco van Staden, Ruan Venter*, Jan-Hendrik Wessels*
Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Faf de Klerk, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu*, Suleiman Hartzenberg*, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse*, Quan Horn*, Herschel Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Sanele Nohamba*, Morne van den Berg*, Henco van Wyk*, Grant Williams, Damian Willemse
* Denotes uncapped players
