Uncapped flyhalf contenders for Springboks in 2024

South Africa’s flyhalf production line has generated a host of remarkable talents, but these are the two rising stars who’ve done their damnedest to force their way into the Springbok set-up immediately.

The Springboks’ jam-packed 2024 Test calendar kicks off with a showdown against Wales at Twickenham in London on 22 June, followed by the highly-anticipated two-game series against Ireland and an historic one-off clash against Portugal.

Now because the Wales encounter falls outside of the World Rugby designated Test window, Rassie Erasmus will not have any overseas players available, while there is also an overlap with the United Rugby Championship final which could influence the availability of locally based Springbok players.

This then opens the door for the selection and Test introduction of new blood into the Springbok camp.

With that in mind, let’s look at the two flyhalf options that could be set to make their Test debut this year and ultimately challenge Manie Libbok for the role of back-up flyhalf to Handre Pollard.

SANELE NOHAMBA: A DOUBLE THREAT

Nohamba, who has primarily been cast as a scrumhalf before his move to Ellis Park, has scored 135 points in 19 games for the Lions this season when he was mainly played as a flyhalf.

His initial selection at No 10 drew a few raised eyebrows, but the 25-year-old quickly squashed any concerns over his new role with one impressive performance after the other. To date, Nohamba has been one of the top-performing flyhalves in the URC by a mile.

His versatility makes him one of the most valuable players at Erasmus’ disposal this season.

SIYA MASUKU: THE UNLIKELY FLYHALF FRONTRUNNER

At 27 years old, Masuku has been around the block and can be considered somewhat of a rugby journeyman.

With unsuccessful stints at the Lions, Leopards, Kings and Cheetahs, many column inches have been dedicated to the underwhelming but no less fascinating career development of Masuka.

When the Sharks moved to sign Masuku from the Cheetahs late last year, not many were convinced that it was the right move for either party. And yet, six months after landing in Durban, Masuku rose to the top in quite astonishing fashion.

Not only has he displaced Curwin Bosch as the first-choice playmaker at Kings Park, he has climbed to the top of a growing list of quality flyhalves knocking on the Springbok selection door.

His adaptability to various in-game situations under pressure adds a different dimension to the Sharks backline and his deadeye goal-kicking makes him an out and out match-winner.

Additionally, his game management skills, accurate passing and vital attributes keep him in contention.

CONFIRMED SPRINGBOKS FIXTURES FOR 2024:

Saturday, 22 June: SA vs Wales (Twickenham, London)
Saturday, 6 July: SA vs Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday, 13 July: SA vs Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)
Saturday, 20 July: Springboks vs Portugal (Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein)
Saturday, 10 August: Australia vs SA (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
Saturday, 17 August: Australia vs SA (Optus Stadium, Perth)
Saturday, 31 August: Springboks vs New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
Saturday, 7 September: SA v New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
Saturday, 21 September: Argentina v SA (venue TBC)
Saturday, 28 September: SA v Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)
16/17 November: England v Springboks (Twickenham, London – date TBC)