Renzo du Plessis and Jurenzo Julius want to make their first Springbok alignment camp count and launch their careers to new heights after standout 2024 seasons.

The youngsters were among the 56 players who attended the Bok indaba in Cape Town last week, catching the eye of head coach Rassie Erasmus despite fierce competition in their respective positions.

Speaking at the SA Rugby awards, where the Lions’ Du Plessis was named Currie Cup Player of the Year and Julius claimed the Junior Springbok of the Year award, both players reflected on their rapid rise.

“It was a surprise [getting the call-up]. I played the fewest minutes of all the players who were at the Bok alignment camp that week,” Du Plessis said. “But Rassie and them see something in me and I have to believe myself that I’m good enough to be there.

“They said this week that it’s not just luck that you’re there. They chose you.”

The 22-year-old loose forward, who’s had limited game time in the Vodacom URC, was a standout performer in the 2024 Currie Cup, scoring 10 tries — more than any other player.

“[The camp] was incredible,” Du Plessis said. “I really enjoyed it and just took it all in during those two days. Just being in the presence of people who have achieved so much is definitely a box I can tick.

“It was one of my goals to be part of an alignment camp this year. I’m grateful I was able to learn from them. I had dinner with Andre Esterhuizen and Siya Kolisi. Learning from them and hearing how they see life is remarkable.”

At the Lions, Du Plessis is part of a competitive loose-forward group, but he is determined to push for more opportunities.

“I have to have faith that they look at me and believe in me as someone who can play for the Boks. I have to work according to that, look forward and see myself through those eyes. Then I believe the opportunity will come when the time is right.”

Julius, who turns 21 in May, initially expected to play age-group rugby for the Sharks in 2024. But after a strong Currie Cup campaign, the powerful midfielder has been a regular feature in John Plumtree’s lineups across all competitions.

“Last year [after the World Rugby U20 Championship] I was planning to go back [to the Sharks] and play U21 rugby. It worked out differently then, because I had already played the Currie Cup,” Julius said.

“I was surprised, because I thought I might only start playing a little senior rugby here and there this year.

“I’ve progressed quickly and just have to stay calm and not get too excited. That’s when things go wrong. I have to trust the process and just keep working hard. Hopefully things will work out for me.”

He has joined a growing list of promising young centres under Erasmus’ watch, including Henco van Wyk, Ethan Hooker and Jonathan Roche. His ability to cover multiple positions adds to his value, but he has a clear preference.

“Outside centre allows me to maybe use more of my skills, where inside centre is a little more physical,” Julius said.