STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA – APRIL 13: Wandisile Simelane (Xerox Golden Lions) scores a try during the Junior Springbok warm up match between South Africa U20 and Georgia U20 at Markotter Fields Paul Roos Gymnasium on April 13, 2018 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
SA rugby revival: Five junior Springboks to look out for in the future
Five future stars of South African rugby to keep an eye on
STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA – APRIL 13: Wandisile Simelane (Xerox Golden Lions) scores a try during the Junior Springbok warm up match between South Africa U20 and Georgia U20 at Markotter Fields Paul Roos Gymnasium on April 13, 2018 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
While some of the baby Springbok’s star players were knocked out earlier on in the competition due to injury, here’s a comprehensive list of future rugby stars, destined for Springbok greatness, if the South African Rugby Union (SARU) can hold onto them.
Damian Willemse
No stranger to the big leagues already, Willemse is a standard starter for the Stormers in the Super Rugby competition. The 20-year-old regularly plays as a fly-half but can be put at full-back too, possessing a strong and innovative running game.
Wandisile Simelane
The top try scorer of the2018 IRB u/20 World Cup, Simelane’s Springbok future looks bright. This exciting centre knows exactly how to open up space in the field, and exploits opponents defensive weak points with superb speed and a clever boot.
Tyrone Green
The baby ‘bok winger made his debut performance at this year’s IRB u/20 World Cup, graduating from the SA Schools competition at fly-half. His incredible work rate was impressive; always on the ball near the breakdown point, and cool under pressure, handling the high ball well and committing to strong tackles.
Gianni Lombard
The Worcester born fullback has performed regularly in the SA Schools competition and finally found himself donning the green and gold at this year’s IRB u/20 world cup. His trademark hop, skip and a jump was a common site on the field, as he swerved and slithered through opposing defenders.
Juarno Augustus
Although hampered by injury in this year’s event, at the completion of last year’s tournament Augustus was awarded World Rugby Under-20 Championship Player of the Tournament. Originally from Alexander Bay, this powerhouse of an 8th man is the strongest player amongst his peers. Weighing in at 111kg, ‘Little Trokkie’, as he’s affectionately known, is a sure bet for the Springboks next year.
Junior Springboks expect a call-up for the 2018 Rugby World Cup
While most of the above players return to their respective provincial sides for the remainder of the local rugby season, they should keep their phones nearby, expecting a call-up from Springbok’s head coach Rassie Erasmus ahead of next year’s IRB World Cup in Japan.
Tags:
