Reassie Erasmus says Ireland’s bogey is the RWC. Image: SA Rugby website
Rassie Erasmus sends message to players overlooked for Springbok alignment camp
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has sent a message to the players who have missed out on his first alignment camp of the 2024 international season.
Reassie Erasmus says Ireland’s bogey is the RWC. Image: SA Rugby website
The Springboks announced plans for their first alignment camp ahead of the 2024 international season.
READ | EXCLUSIVE: PHIWE NOMLOMO RESIGNS FROM THE SHARKS WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT!
This alignment camp will give coach Rassie Erasmus a first opportunity to look at what he has at his disposal.
READ | (PICTURE) SHE SAID YES! ANOTHER SPRINGBOK SET TO GET MARRIED!
In order to do so, Erasmus named a 43-man squad that features 16 uncapped players and fresh faces. He also has selected 21 players who are World Cup winners, with a further 12 back to back winners. Within that group, there are squad veterans such as Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Cheslin Kolbe. Surprisingly Willie le Roux, already a Springbok veteran in 2023, has also entered the 2027 World Cup cycle.
READ | BULLS PART WAYS WITH SBU NKOSI
Erasmus also took the opportunity to call up some young fan favourites 23 years-old and under. The likes of Cameron Hanekom, Celimpilo Gumede, Henco van Wyk, Quan Horn, Ruan Venter, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Sacha-Feinberg Mngomezulu to name a few. Besides the youngsters, there is also a group of slightly more established franchise rugby players rewarded. That group includes Neethling Fouche, Sanele Nohamba, Johan Grobelaar, Ruben van Heerden, Marnus van der Merwe and Andre Hugo-Venter.
READ | EXCLUSIVE: SHARKS SHIFT GOAL POSTS AS WANDILE SIMELANE’S MOVE FALLS THROUGH
While that list may include some current and future favourites, there are some fan favourites who’ve been left out. That might offer Hacjivah Dayimani, Warrick Gelant, Stedman Gans and David Kriel a glimmer of hope going forward. This after a post from Erasmus on X, saying no Springbok dreams have been crushed.
Erasmus opens up Springbok door still
“Hi !! Hope 2024 is going well! Guys and Ladies just some info! Remember an alignment camp does not mean those are the only players who will play for the Springboks this year! Just like in the past there is a purpose for every camp! Have a lekka weekend!” Wrote the post from Erasmus.
Hopefuls still have time to impress
The Springboks are set to begin their international season against Wales at Twickenham on 22 June.
