As the Springbok coaches consider a variety of options for the season-opening Test, there could well be a change of thinking at flyhalf.
When the Springboks play Wales on Saturday, June 22, they will take the field again for the first time since the Rugby World Cup final at the storied Twickenham Stadium last year.
A difficult two-match series against Ireland in Pretoria (6 July) and Durban (13 July) will take place after the London Test. After that, a week from now, South Africa will play Portugal in their first Test at Bloemfontein.
However, it is imperative to recognize that the encounter with Wales will be unique in some respects. Most foreign-based players won’t be able to access it because it is outside of the international window.
Since the URC final and that championship match are scheduled for the same day, more players may be unable to participate if South Africa is involved.
For the one-off Test matches against Wales and Portugal, the Springbok coaches will therefore need to weigh their alternatives, and there’s every reason to think that Sharks flyhalf Siya Masuku may establish himself as a serious contender at number ten.
Masuku led the Sharks to victory over Clermont in the Challenge Cup semi-final at Twickenham Stoop earlier this month, scoring 22 points. The national coaches would undoubtedly be impressed with his accuracy when kicking from the tee.
Masuku’s run of man-of-the-match honors has reportedly already earned him a call-up to the upcoming Springbok alignment camp, reports the Sunday publication Rapport.
In the season opener, the Lions’ Jordan Hendrikse and Sanele Nohamba may also be considered for the flyhalf spot, and if the Stormers aren’t in the URC final, Manie Libbok may be the obvious pick.
But the Cape team has recently been playing really well, so they may advance to yet another championship game.
THE SPRINGBOK COACHES HAVE A BIG CALL TO MAKE AT 10
Masuku had to wait until February to make his Sharks debut, but coach John Plumtree has reiterated how there is even more to come from the ‘humble’ flyhalf.
Isn’t Siya a charming tale? Following the Sharks’ most recent victory overseas, Plumtree remarked, “He’s played well on the big stage now.” “I’m simply ecstatic for him. He is a rather modest person. He is seizing every chance he gets, feeling incredibly honored to be wearing this jersey.
“He will continue to improve. He still has room to grow as an athlete and in terms of skill set and passing ability. He hasn’t yet reached the edge of his ceiling. He is a self-assured small player.
“He has excellent kicking; when he attempts a touch, he looks for a distance of 40 meters instead of only 30. I adore his approach to the game and the way that other players view him. He’s atop the peak of the
URC PLAYOFF RACE HOTTING UP
In the meantime, the Bulls, Stormers, and Lions all advanced to the quarterfinals of the United Rugby Championship’s third and final pool stage thanks to crucial bonus point wins.
The Stormers started first and defeated the Dragons 44–21 in Newport thanks to a strong second half performance. The Vodacom Bulls then defeated the log-leader Glasgow Warriors 40–34 in Pretoria.
Separately, the Sharks lost to Benetton 25-24, which was a huge setback for them. Meanwhile, the Lions defeated Cardiff 34-13 in Johannesburg.
