Former Springbok player Odwa Ndungane could not help but rave about the emerging youngsters who are knocking on the door ahead of what will be a crucial season for the Rugby World Champions, building up to their title defence next year.
South Africa will be looking to make history and become the first nation to win the World Cup three times in a row in Australia.
Ndungane, who has had a long and successful career with the Springboks, spoke to Sunday World in a wide-ranging interview, touching on the youngsters who are making their mark and who have been impressive.
“I have been very impressed with Paul de Villiers; he has been one of the standout players for the Stormers, and he’s done well for them,” Ndungane said.
“He does well with and without the ball, and I think that’s where he is very good. Defensively, he is also very good, and his stats speak volumes about his impact for the Stormers.
“So, I just hope when they announce the alignment camp, I hope he will be there, and I know Rassie will be looking at him because we are short when it comes to out-and-out fetchers. And he’s really impressed in his first full season, so the future is bright for him.”
The 44-year-old also mentioned one of the rising stars in South African rugby, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who has already made a name for himself in world rugby.
“Sacha is one of those youngsters who have proven themselves at the international level. He looks comfortable, and playing him in such a crucial position [flyhalf], you would never say he’s only 23.
“So, it just shows the confidence he has, the quality he has, and I think for him, it will be important just to stay fit and just keep playing because you only get better by being on the field.”
On the state of readiness and how far the Boks are ahead of a jam-packed season with the new tournament (Nations Championships) coming up in July,
Ndungane said, with confidence, that the Boks are on the right track.
“The team is in a good space because of the type of squad that we have. I mean, Rassie can easily have three teams from the pool of players that he has. And all those teams can be competitive against other top international teams.
“If you look at our fly-halves, we have got three top fly-halves, and about four scrum-ups you can pick from in the front row at hooker, so that has created that competition within the squad.
“And we’ve got a nice mix of experience and youngsters coming through the system. I don’t know how much we will rely on the guys who won us the two previous World Cups, but their experience will be very important,” he added.
