Three Springbok debuts to expect in first Test of 2024

Three Springbok debuts to expect in first Test of 2024

The Springboks are set to open their Test season against Wales in June, but the clash will fall outside of the ‘international window’, meaning several overseas-based players won’t be available.

This means the likes of Handre Pollard, Jasper Wiese, RG Snyman and Siya Kolisi won’t be considered for selection, but this first clash of the year was always expected to be about experimentation and offering opportunities to ‘newcomers’ as it is.

Several debutants can be expected, but we specifically pick three players we believe should be in line for debuts against Wales in an exhibition game at Twickenham.

Could these be the next Springbok debutants?

Sanele Nohamba

The versatile Lions star has been in the form of his life this season, and there are very few players as deserving of a first Test cap than him.

It’s unlikely that Nohamba will be regarded as a Test flyhalf just yet, but having played plenty of his rugby at scrumhalf, this is where I’d expect him to earn his first Test cap.

The likes of Faf de Klerk, Jaden Hendrikse and Grant Williams should all be available for the opening Test of the year, but the Springboks will surely want to look at ‘new’ options at 9, and Nohamba certainly ticks that box.

Jordan Hendrikse

With Pollard set to miss the Test against Wales, it’s quite possible that Manie Libbok will wear the No 10 jersey, but it would not be a surprise at all to see Hendrikse picked on the bench.

Hendrikse, who will link up with his brother Jaden at the Sharks next season, has been used extensively as a ‘super sub’ of sorts at the Lions this season, and it would make sense for the Springboks to deploy him in a similar manner.

The talented 22-year-old can cover flyhalf and inside centre, while the Springboks may even view his utility value at fullback.

Cameron Hanekom

Considering that Duane Vermeulen has retired and that Wiese will not be available for the opening international of the year, the Springboks will almost certainly want to assess what other options they have at No 8.

Hanekom has all the raw attributes that will appeal to Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, and the skilful 21-year-old could certainly rise to the occasion against Wales.

The Bulls star is ironically eligible to play for Wales due his grandmother’s heritage, but it’s the Springboks who should really want to reward him with a Test cap as soon as possible.

Who else would you like to see make their Bok debut? Leave a comment at the end of this article!