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Springboks are poised for rugby domination. Photo: SARugby

Home » Springboks: The ‘new’ player who should join the squad

Springboks: The ‘new’ player who should join the squad

The Springboks squad will need new, younger players next year, and one overseas-based star is already putting up his hand.

By Craig Lewis
14-11-23 15:44
in Featured
Springboks world rugby
Springboks are poised for rugby domination. Photo: SARugby

It’s certainly noteworthy that the majority of the current World Cup winning Springboks side could still make it to the next tournament in 2027.

However, there are several veterans who are in the twilight of their careers, and some fresh faces will undoubtedly come into the mix.

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Notably, over in England, former Junior Springbok Tyrone Green has made a stunning start to the season for Harlequins – highlighted by a quite ridiculous ‘superman’ solo try against the Newcastle Falcons.

When fit and on form, Green has consistently been one of the most dangerous backline players for ‘Quins for quite some time, while being highly regarded as one of the most clinical wings in the Premiership.

With outside backs such as Willie le Roux and Makazole Mapimpi unlikely to feature as much for the Springboks in the next few years, it’s a prime opportunity to rope in a versatility utility back such as Green.

UPDATE: Extended absence for injured World Cup winner

SHOULD GREEN BECOME A SPRINGBOK?

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WHICH SPRINGBOKS COULD STILL BE IN THE MIX IN FOUR YEARS’ TIME?

While several players will be well into their thirties by then, the truth is that many could still be available in four year’s time.

Ages at 2027 RWC of current Springbok backs: 9: Faf de Klerk 35 / Jaden Hendrikse 27 / Grant Williams 31; 10: Handre Pollard 33 / Manie Libbok 30; 11: Cheslin Kolbe 33, 12: Damian de Allende 34 / Andre Esterhuizen 33; 13: Jessse Kriel 33 / Lukhanyo Am 33, Canan Moodie 23; 14: Kurt-Lee Arendse 31; 15: Damian Willemse 29

Out of the running for next RWC in all likelihood: Makazole Mapimpi 37, Cobus Reinach 37, Willie le Roux 38

Ages at 2027 RWC of current Bok forwards: 1: Steven Kitshoff 35 / Ox Nche 32; 2: Bongi Mbonambi 36 / Malcolm Marx 33, 3: Frans Malherbe 36 / Vincent Koch 37, 4: Eben Etzebeth 35 / RG Snyman 32, 5: Franco Mostert 35 / Jean Kleyn 34 / Marvin Orie 34, 6: Siya Kolisi 36 / Marco van Staden 32, 7: Pieter-Steph du Toit 35 / 8: Jasper Wiese 31 / Kwagga Smith 34

Out of the running for next RWC: Trevor Nyakane 38, Deon Fourie 41, Duane Vermeulen 41.

It certainly makes for interesting reading, and when considering many new young players will undoubtedly come into the mix, it’s clear that the Springboks could be really well placed to go for their World Cup hat-trick.

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