CAPE TOWN, October 20 (ANA) – Several players will be aiming to catch the eye of the Springbok selectors during this weekend’s highly-anticipated Currie Cup semifinals.
The Sharks, Blue Bulls, Western Province and Golden Lions will head into action this Saturday with the hope of claiming a place in next weekend’s Currie Cup final, but there will also be some extra motivation for many talented players who have been identified as potential future Boks.
Having said that, it’s worth keeping a close lookout for these nationally uncapped players who appear to be knocking on the Bok door, with the squad for the upcoming end-of-year-tour set to be named after next Saturday’s domestic final.
S’bu NkosiThe talented Sharks winger spent time with the Boks during the home leg of the Rugby Championship but has yet to earn inclusion in a match 23. The youngster has been in outstanding form for the Durban-based side throughout Super Rugby and especially in the Currie Cup – where he has scored eight tries. Another strong performance in the playoffs would surely secure his place for the Boks’ end-of-year tour.
Lukhanyo AmThe 23-year-old has endured a few unfortunate injury setbacks this year, but is one of the most highly-regarded young centres in the country. Am was named in the Springboks’ squad for the June series against France, but was ruled out as a result of a fractured jaw sustained in Super Rugby. However, there is no doubt that he is a player who boasts all the attributes to add depth to the Boks’ midfield resources.
Dan du PreezThe Sharks’ athletic No 8 spent time with the Boks throughout the Rugby Championship, but has yet to receive his first Test cap. However, with Warren Whiteley remaining unavailable to the Boks due to injury, Du Preez must surely be a strong contender to finally make a Bok appearance on the end-of-year tour. A powerful performance against the Blue Bulls would certainly strengthen his claim for another national call-up.
Thomas du ToitDu Toit received a late call-up to the Bok squad at the end of the Rugby Championship, but that selection was primarily to provide back-up at loosehead prop in the absence of Beast Mtawarira. Nevertheless, it was due recognition for the powerful front-rower, who certainly appears to be strengthening his case for a more permanent place in the national setup.
Warrick GelantThe talented Blue Bulls fullback has stolen plenty of headlines in recent weeks with a string of outstanding performance in the Currie Cup, which have seen numerous pundits calling for him to earn a Bok call-up. Gelant is the leading domestic try-scorer this season (10), and has regularly impressed with his attacking X-factor. If Gelant continues to impress in the knockout stage, his ticket to Europe will surely be secure.
Kwagga SmithConsidering that Jaco Kriel will only return from injury next year, Smith is the sort of like-for-like replacement who could certainly make his mark on the Boks’ end-of-year tour. The Blitzboks star has made a seamless transition to fifteens rugby this year, and has been a star performer for the Lions in Super Rugby and the Currie Cup. Many may regard Smith as a potential Bok bolter, and another big performance against Western Province this Saturday would certainly strengthen his case for national recognition. – African News Agency (ANA)
