The Springboks have not only discovered a formula for winning rugby this season, but they have also significantly enhanced their squad depth.
At the beginning of the year, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus emphasized that a major priority would be to integrate several talented newcomers into the team as part of a new four-year World Cup cycle. True to his word, Erasmus has actively rotated his players, utilizing a total of 49 players this season, including 35 during the Rugby Championship alone.
In 2024, 11 new Springboks were capped: Edwill van der Merwe, Quan Horn, Morne van den Berg, Ruan Venter, Jordan Hendrikse, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Johan Grobbelaar, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ben-Jason Dixon, Andre-Hugo Venter, and Phepsi Buthelezi.
Additionally, players such as Aphelele Fassi, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Manie Libbok, Grant Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Ruan Nortje, Elrigh Louw, and Gerhard Steenekamp have developed into solid Test players after making their Bok debuts in recent seasons.
Springboks Reaping the Benefits of the URC ‘Feeder System’
There’s no doubt that South Africa’s participation in the United Rugby Championship (URC) has exposed players to new challenges and conditions, ultimately benefiting the Springboks.
Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen highlighted this: “I think it’s helped the national selectors expand the pool of players they can choose from.
“We know we have robust and tough athletes. If you look at all our Vodacom URC teams, there are some really exciting ‘X Factor’ backs among them. We’ve always had tough locks and loose forwards, and our set pieces will continue to thrive.
“What’s fortunate for us as a country is that national players who fall between the 30th and 60th rankings could easily become top contenders in the next Rugby World Cup and beyond.
“What a position to be in! If you consider the first 15 as the A team, then players 16 to 30 and 31 to 45 as two additional teams, the difference between those three groups is minimal.
“Regardless of how they choose to play, you can select from any of those teams. You can field a physical kicking-pressure team that could be the best in the world or an exciting counter-attacking and wide-attack team that could also excel globally. I believe that’s the thrilling aspect. The ingredients are definitely there to create something very special.”
