By Siyasanga Monoalibe
With the one-off Test against Argentina now officially out of the way, after taking to the field yesterday in Buenos Aires, coach Rassie Erasmus and his Springboks have now turned all their attention to the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour against the All Blacks, a blockbuster fixture that every rugby fan around the world is looking forward to with great anticipation.
The Boks and New Zealand tour is set to get underway on August 22 at Ellis Park Stadium and will be wrapped up at the FNB Stadium on September 5.
Apart from the exciting news of the return of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, captain Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager and Morne van den Berg from injury, there is another whole new wave of excitement in the Boks camp, with several young stars coming up the ranks, especially with the sights now set on the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Vusi Moyo (flyhalf):
Moyo made his senior franchise debut for the Sharks and played for the Junior Springboks earlier this season. This led to him earning his first senior national call-up last month.
The 20-year-old became the first black player to start at fly-half for the Springboks during their third Nations Championship fixture against Wales in Durban in July. He managed to score three conversions in a game where the Boks smashed Wales 43-0.
Last year, he was instrumental in helping the Junior Boks to their first World Rugby Under-20 Championship title since 2012, registering 63 points throughout the tournament.
Jaco Williams (wing):
Williams is regarded as one of the brightest young outside backs in South African rugby.
The 20-year-old caught the attention of many with his explosive acceleration, footwork and natural attacking instincts at the Craven Week, before progressing through the junior ranks at the Sharks and representing the Junior Springboks.
Williams has already made appearances in both the Currie Cup and the URC for the Sharks, which earned him selection in a Springbok alignment camp this year, underscoring how highly he is rated within South African rugby circles.
Zachary Porthen (prop):
The 2027 Rugby World Cup mission started last year for 22-year-old Porthen, when he was thrown into the deep end by Erasmus in their Test against Japan in Wembley. Porthen is regarded as one of South Africa’s most valuable assets because of his rare ability to pack down on both sides of the scrum, including his strength and mobility as a tighthead.
Ntuthuko Mchunu (prop):
The 27-year-old Mchunu was part of the team that featured for the Boks against Argentina in the one-off Test in Buenos Aires and is expected to play an important role for Erasmus in the much-anticipated Series later this month.
Ruben van Heerden (lock):
Like Carlu Sadie, Moyo and Williams, Van Heerden made his Test debut in the Nations Championship last month.
The 28-year-old will now be looking forward to featuring more for the Boks.
Other players who are expected to have a bright future with the Boks include Cameron Hanekom (forward) and Cobus Wiese (lock).
- The Springboks' Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour against the All Blacks starts on August 22 at Ellis Park and ends on September 5 at FNB Stadium.
- Injured players returning to the Springboks squad include Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, and Morne van den Berg.
- Vusi Moyo became the first black player to start at fly-half for the Springboks and scored three conversions in the 43-0 win over Wales in July.
- Jaco Williams, a 20-year-old wing known for his acceleration and attacking skills, has played for the Sharks in the Currie Cup and URC and was selected for a Springbok alignment camp.
- Zachary Porthen, a 22-year-old prop capable of playing both sides of the scrum, was debuted against Japan in 2023 and is considered a key asset for South African rugby.
