There are three in-form domestic players who should earn inclusion in the Springboks’ wider squad when the world champs return to action.
There will be great expectations when the Springboks return to action with back-to-back Tests against Ireland in July, followed by a one-off encounter against Portugal prior to the Rugby Championship.
Especially for that Test against Portugal, some new faces can be expected in the Bok squad, and these are three domestic players we believe are well on track to receive a first-time call up.
KNOCKING ON THE SPRINGBOKS’ DOOR
Sanele Nohamba, a Lions standout, is playing at the peak of his abilities, and the Springbok coaches will be watching him closely.
Nohamba, an Eastern Cape native from Alice, made his debut as a senior rugby player as a nimble scrumhalf with a potent kicking style.
Nohamba’s small stature of 1.64 meters and weight of about 75 kg made him appear to be a good fit at scrumhalf, where he played in elementary and junior high school.
Nonetheless, the 25-year-old—who had his birthday earlier in January—has made the unusual switch to flyhalf this season, and it has paid off handsomely.
One of the most notable players in South Africa, Nohamba gives the Lions at 10 a genuine spark. His precise goal-kicking, which has always been a strength of his game, has also impressed.
Considering how consistently and confidently Nohamba has played, there’s no doubt that the Springbok coaches are taking notice. Where would the Springbok coaches put him, though, is the question.
Considering that Nohamba only recently made the permanent transition to the flyhalf position, it would be a huge ask on the part of the Springbok management staff to consider him as such. His size might also be a problem in intensely physical Test matches.
The national coaches may be interested in utilising him as a scrumhalf, though, especially after a recent serious injury to Faf de Klerk. However, the likes of Jaden Hendrikse, Grant Williams and Cobus Reinach were all part of the World Cup squad, and scrumhalf is certainly a position that’s well covered.
Having said that, the Springbok coaches may view his X factor and ability to cover more than one position as a notable drawcard.
Habjivah Dayimani of the Stormers is a gifted player, and it seems like this is the season the 26-year-old could finally put his name in the Bok ring.
With his great mobility and abundance of soft talents, Dayimani has the potential to become a major player in the country if he adds a strong defense, more physicality, and a relentless work ethic.
The gifted attacker is a versatile back row player, and if he keeps up his strong play, which it has been since the beginning of the season in the URC and Europe, the Bok coaches might need to watch him in action.
At a time when Frans Malherbe is out of action, tighthead prop Neethling Fouche has stepped up for the Stormers and made a massive impact, which certainly seems to be bringing him onto the Springbok radar.
Fouche is a true attacking scrummager, and his power and mobility may well be catching the eye of the Bok coaches – especially at a time when Vincent Koch is also recovering from injury.
Stormers assistant coach Rito Hlungwani recently told the media, “Nettas (Fouche) is extremely passionate about it. It’s a dream for many players to play for the Stormers one day.”
“I believe he has raised his hand; he works really hard and strives for continuous improvement. He is a warrior, and because of his work ethic, I believe he can easily fit into the national setup.
“I believe that in order for the alignment camps to assess whether or not he will fit in there, they [the Springboks] should at least open the door for him. I think he will.
THE BOKS’ HOME TEST SCHEDULE FOR 2024 IS:
Saturday, 6 July: SA vs. Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday, 13 July: SA vs. Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)
Saturday, 20 July: SA vs. Portugal (Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein)
Saturday, 31 August: SA vs. New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
Saturday, 7 September: SA vs. New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
Saturday, 28 September: SA vs. Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)
Meanwhile, the Springboks’ away Test schedule includes two matches against the Wallabies in Australia in August, and an away match against Argentina in the Rugby Championship in September, as well as engagements in Europe in November 2024.
