Every year, rugby brings the opportunity for new players to gain a national call up for a chance to gain experience at the highest level, whilst fighting for a spot in the match day team. With the Springboks having announced their first squad since the 2019 Rugby World Cup and there are 8 new additions joining them. Whilst 29 of the 32 World Cup winning Boks have been called up, we take a look at the new men in the national set up.
Aphelele Fassi
The Sharks young fullback has shown his value on attack, with his pace making him a touch customer on the counter attack and he is equally as comfortable out on the wing. His inclusion as an understudy to Willie Le Roux comes at the perfect time as he has gained two full seasons of rugby experience since his professional debut. He has big boots to fill if he wants to elevate himself to the Bok 23, and could be a huge asset to a back 3 featuring Mapimpi and Kolbe when building to the next World Cup.
Yaw Penxe
Yet another Sharks winger who just can't be kept away from the Springbok side. The 24 year old is now at the Sharks after leaving the EP Kings, he is playing alongside Makazole Mapimpi, Sbu Nkosi and Fassi. Clearly being surrounded by quality backs has only increased his hunger for national honors and he has earned himself a selection. He is electric with ball in hand and his quick acceleration make him a handful on attack and defense. He is likely to turn out alongside provincial team mate Fassi in the SA "A" game.
Rosko Specman
Whilst Specman has yet to earn a 1st Springbok cap, the energetic winger has plenty of experience at top level, having represented the Biltz Bokke for many years. He turned out for the Stormers this past weekend as he is on loan from the Cheetahs in order to get some much needed game time. He put through a strong performance after he was named in the starting side. Whilst at the age of 32 he may be older but his game still shows a youthful exuberance to it that could benefit the Springbok backline.
Wandisile Simelane
He has put in a number of stand out performances for the Lions this year and at the age of 23 is focused on finding success at a higher level. After linking up with the Springboks during the alignment camp, his game took a step up and the flyer made him a no brainer inclusion in the squad. With the ability to cover both center and wing, he brings a versatility that the Springboks have favored in their backs as seen with Frans Steyn.
Sanele Nohamba
Having made his Currie Cup debut for the Sharks in 2019, he has taken on the role of starting scrumhalf for the Sharks, combining well with Curwin Bosch and brining some attacking flair around the edges of the ruck. Whilst diminutive in stature, the youngster is tenacious and will be surrounded by some quality competition in the 9 jersey. He will savor the opportunity to learn and train with the Boks whilst slowly building his case for selection.
Nico Janse van Rensburg
One of many South Africans currently at Montpellier, he has been with them since 2016 and quietly growing his game in a pack that includes the likes of combative hooker, Bismarck Du Plessis. At 2m Tall and 115kg, he offers an enforcer in the engine room, similar to that of Etzebeth and Bakkies Botha. With four top quality, World Cup winning locks still in the squad, he will get the chance to sharpen his game and may be called on, to plug an injury gap and to provide some weight in the SA "A" game.
Jasper Wiese
Wiese joins arguably the most competitive positions in South African Rugby, the loose trio. He is comfortable at both flank and 8th man. Wiese is another player who previously represented the Cheetahs in the Pro14, before making the move to Leicester Tigers. At 1.9m tall and a solid 110kg, he has a lot to offer the Springboks in a long season, even if his chance only comes in the Rugby Championship. He will also be useful as a 3rd jumper in the lineouts, an option the Springboks have favored since deploying Pieter-Steph du Toit at flank.
Joseph Dweba
He joins the squad at hooker, a position with notable competition in the likes of Marx and Mbonambi. Currently plying his trade at Bordeaux. Dweba climbed the junior ranks in SA and turned out for the Cheetahs in the Guinness Pro14 before he headed overseas, when the Cheetahs were excluded. Dweba's game is characterized by his mobility and explosiveness. He is the typical combative South African front rower, the world has come to expect. He stands at 1.8m tall and is 108kg.